Day of Japan's First Domestic Rocket Launch

What Is the Day of Japan's First Domestic Rocket Launch

September 20 marks the anniversary of Japan's first successful launch of a domestically developed observation rocket. On this day in 1957, a research team led by Dr. Hideo Itokawa of the University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science successfully launched the "Kappa 4C (K-4)" observation rocket from Michikawa Beach in Akita Prefecture.

Japan's Space Program Enters the Age of Observation Rockets

Before this launch, Dr. Itokawa's team had already carried out a series of experiments with small Pencil Rockets and Baby Rockets. The successful launch of the Kappa 4C on September 20, 1957, marked the point where this accumulated groundwork paid off, opening the door to full-scale upper-atmosphere observation.

• Date: September 20, 1957, at Michikawa Beach, Akita Prefecture
• Key figure: Dr. Hideo Itokawa of the University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science, and his research team
• Rocket used: The observation rocket "Kappa 4C (K-4)"
• Significance: A milestone marking Japan's shift from experimental rocketry to rockets usable as genuine observation infrastructure

Hideo Itokawa, "the Father of Japan's Space Development"

Dr. Itokawa went on to lead further observation rocket development and is remembered as a founding figure of Japan's space program. The asteroid "Itokawa," visited by the Hayabusa spacecraft, which famously returned samples to Earth, was named in his honor.

Ways to Mark the Day

• Learn about the history of Japan's rocket development and the Kappa rocket series
• Find out more about Dr. Hideo Itokawa's achievements
• Check the news for Japan's current space program and rocket launches
• Learn about Michikawa Beach in Akita, the birthplace of Japanese rocketry

Japan's Space Program Began with a Small Step

The Day of Japan's First Domestic Rocket Launch is a moment to look back on the history of Japan's space development. This September 20, take a moment to reflect on the future that one small rocket, rising from Michikawa Beach, helped set in motion.