From long long ago, outer space has been a kind of dream for human beings, a field for thought about life itself. Even today, when scientific progress keeps opening up worlds we never knew, the infinity of the universe remains a limitless source of curiosity and continues to inspire us with awe and respect.
The Space Poem Chain is the expression of our wish for chain poetry to become a cooperative space in which everyone can think together about the universe, about the earth, and about life, transcending boundaries of nation, culture, generations, specializations, and roles.
Chain poetry itself (renshi) is a form developed from traditional Japanese linked verse (renga and renku) and spread worldwide by the poet and critic Makoto Ooka. The Space Poem Chain is compiled with Mr. Ooka as judge. Entries from the general public over the internet are the basis, and these are combined with contributions from poets and others involved in the arts and sciences.
During the first phase (October 2006 - March 2007) we combined public submissions and contributions over a half-year period so that the whole sequence would be 24 poems long. We received submissions from approximately 800 people, from both inside and outside Japan, and ranging in age from 8 to 98. Planetariums and schools began to use the Space Poem Chain idea for their own programs. The completed poem chain has been recorded on a DVD, and in February of next year, will be launched on a mission with JAXA astronaut Takao Doi, and stored in the International Space Station's Japanese Experimental Module Kibo ("Hope").
During the current second phase (July 6, 2007 February 8, 2008), we are planning to compile a series of 24 poems based on the title “There are Stars.” This time, we will work to develop the project beyond borders by welcoming contributions from poets in the Asia Pacific region. We will also carry “Essays on Words” (in Japanese) written by intellectuals from various pursuits on our web site each month. We hope that the Space Poem Chain, through “space” and “words,” will become a forum connecting people to people, and play a role as a lighthouse casting light on the present and future of “words.” The completed Space Poem Chain will be launched in 2008 and stored in the Kibo module of the ISS.
For the third phase (FY 2008), we are planning to compile a Space Poem Chain incorporating verses written by JAXA astronauts aboard Kibo during the long-term expeditions that are planned to begin in 2008.
JAXA Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
The Space Poem Chain Compiling Committee
- Contact Point:
- JAXA Space Environment Utilization Center
- Tsutomu Yamanaka
- Tel: +81-(0)29-868-3604 Fax: +81-(0)29-868-3956
- Email:
