Supporting the International Space Station Stay Mission "HELLO, HARO"
On April 7, 2026, Space Entry Inc. (Headquarters: Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture; CEO: Ryoichi Kumagai) announced the launch of the International Space Station stay mission "HELLO, HARO" project at the Inagi Communication Base Pair Terrace.
From the left: Mr. Ryoichi Kumagai, Mr. Kunio Okawara, and Mayor Takahashi.
International Space Station Stay Mission "HELLO, HARO"
This project, led by Space Entry Inc. with the cooperation of Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc., involves launching the autonomous space robot "Minna no Haro," designed by mechanic designer Kunio Okawara, a resident of Inagi City, to the International Space Station (ISS) and having it stay long-term in JAXA's Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo."
This project aims to bring space development closer to more people by providing experiences that anyone from the general public can participate in, from development, testing, and launch to operation in space.
For the citizens of Inagi City as well, regardless of their level of expertise or age, we hope this will serve as an opportunity for those interested in space development to easily engage in this field. Therefore, Inagi City will also support this project as a "HELLO,HARO Partner."
(Image from Space Entry Inc. Official Website)
HELLO,HARO Partners (Project Sponsoring Partners)
Kunio Okawara, Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc., Aisan Industry Co., Ltd., Uvance Innovation Studio, Mayor of Inagi City, Yanagi Commercial Academy Educational Corporation
Note: As of April 7, 2026.
Project Overview (from Space Entry Inc. official website)
In this mission, the autonomous space robot "Minna no Haro," designed by Kunio Okawara, will be sent to the ISS. Through verification in the following three phases, data will be collected on the potential use of autonomous robots in the space environment (the launch and stay on the ISS will be conducted under the framework of JAXA's "Kibo" paid usage system (non-standard service) provided through the private Business Operators, Japan Low Earth Orbit Company, Inc.).
- Operation test under ground environment (Verification of operation under conditions simulating the space environment)
- Operation test in microgravity environment (Verification of whether it can move as on the ground)
- Verification of communication functions (Operational test assuming interaction with astronauts and users)
The mission participation rights to experience these processes will be open for recruitment through crowdfunding starting at 7:00 AM on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
About Crowdfunding (From the official website of Space Entry Inc.)
This project is recruiting crew (participants) and supporters (backers) through crowdfunding.
Crew (participants) can wear specially designed T-shirts and participate in various missions such as involvement in the development process, project-related experience opportunities, and launch events.
Supporters will receive a thank-you message and can also choose specially designed novelties.
Recruitment starts at 7:00 AM on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
(Image from Space Entry Inc. Official Website)
The project announcement was held at the Inagi Communication Base Pair Terrace.
Space Entry Inc. requested that the project announcement be held in the hometown of Kunio Okawara, the designer of Haro, and Inagi City provided the Inagi Communication Base Pair Terrace as the venue.
Development representative (Space Entry CEO) Ryoichi Kumagai, Kunio Okawara, and Mayor of Inagi City Katsuhiro Takahashi took the stage and spoke about future prospects from their respective positions in front of many reporters gathered at Pair Terrace.
For more details about the project, please visit the official website of Space Entry Inc.
This page is managed by the Department of Industry, Culture, and Sports, Tourism Division
2111 Higashi-Naganuma, Inagi City, Tokyo 206-8601
Phone number: 042-378-2111 Fax number: 042-377-4781
Contact the Tourism Division, Department of Industry, Culture, and Sports, Inagi City