Mar. 6, 2009, Fukuoka - NASA Astronaut Daniel Tani spoke at Kurume Civic Center about his experience living on the International Space Station for an audience of over 1,100 teachers, faculty members, the general public and students from elementary to university age. Earlier in the day, he spoke to about 800 students at Motooka Junior High School. Using PowerPoint slides and film clips, Mr. Tani talked about all aspects of life in space – from experiments and space walks to the more everyday activities such as sleeping, eating, brushing one’s teeth and yes, using the bathroom.

Mr. Tani also discussed NASA’s joint missions with other countries including JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) and the friendships he made with colleagues from other countries. He also spoke about the important roles of women in the space program, pointing out that women were commanding the space shuttle and space station during his mission. In answer to a student’s question about his advice on how to succeed, he stressed that in addition to studying and working hard, one should also enjoy life.