Sagamihara City's Unique Event: 'Hayabusa & Robot WEEK' to be Held!

About Sagamihara, "A City Where You Can Feel Space Close to You," and Hayabusa WEEK

One of Sagamihara City's unique appeal points is being "a city where you can feel space close to you." This is due to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Sagamihara Campus, the hub of Japan's space development, being located in the city's Chuo Ward. The city has promoted urban development that allows the community to feel space, taking pride in this world-class research facility as a source of civic pride.

"Hayabusa WEEK" is an annual event held at venues like the JAXA Sagamihara Campus and the adjacent City Museum around "Hayabusa Day" (June 13). This day was established to commemorate the great achievement of the asteroid explorer "Hayabusa," which was developed and operated at the JAXA Sagamihara Campus and returned to Earth after overcoming numerous difficulties. This year, June 7 (Sun) to June 14 (Sun) has been designated as "Hayabusa WEEK," with various events held mainly on June 13 (Sat) to help people feel closer to space.

JAXA Sagamihara Campus Exchange Building, Sagamihara City Museum Exterior, Sagamihara City Museum Planetarium

Highlights of This Year's "Hayabusa & Robot WEEK"

This year, with the Hayabusa2 extended mission "Torifune Flyby"* scheduled for July, the City Museum will host a special lecture by the former Hayabusa2 Mission Manager, display a full-scale model of Hayabusa2, and collect cheering messages. The adjacent JAXA Sagamihara Campus will offer VR experiences of the Hayabusa2 extended mission.

Additionally, in collaboration with the newly established "Sagamihara Robot Friendly Day" (June 10) in the city, various events to familiarize people with robots will be held simultaneously.

This is a unique Sagamihara event where you can catch a glimpse of two types of futures: "Space" and "Robots."

*Torifune Flyby: A close flyby and observation mission to the near-Earth asteroid "Torifune."

Event Overview

Venues: 1. Sagamihara City Museum (3-1-15 Takane, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara City) https://sagamiharacitymuseum.jp/information/koutsuu_annai/ 2. JAXA Sagamihara Campus (3-1-1 Yoshinodai, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara City) https://www.isas.jaxa.jp/access/

Organizer: Sagamihara City Cooperation: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Participation Fee: Free (Only planetarium viewing programs require a fee)

Event Website: https://www.city.sagamihara.kanagawa.jp/kankou/1026674/hayabusa2/index.html

1. Programs at the Sagamihara City Museum

JAXA Researcher Special Lecture [6/13] Theme: "Hayabusa2 Extended Mission: Finally Challenging the Torifune Flyby" Lecturer: Mr. Makoto Yoshikawa (Former Hayabusa2 Mission Manager, JAXA Institute of Space and Astronautical Science) Date and Time: June 13, 2026 (Sat) 14:00 - 15:30 Venue: City Museum, Basement Conference Room Capacity: 200 people (in order of application) Application: Applications open from May 20, 8:30 via the form below (closes when capacity is reached) https://logoform.jp/form/oWjU/1570661 (C) JAXA

Hayabusa2 Full-Scale Model Exhibition & Cheering Message Corner [6/10 - 6/21] A full-scale model of Hayabusa2, previously exhibited at the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center, will be displayed at the City Museum. We are also collecting cheering messages for the Hayabusa2 extended mission. Dates: June 10, 2026 (Wed) - June 21, 2026 (Sun) *Closed on 6/8 (Mon) and 6/15 (Mon) Venue: City Museum, Special Exhibition Room

Experience Space in the Planetarium's Full-Dome Cinema! [6/7 - 6/14] The City Museum Planetarium will screen the special program "HAYABUSA BACK TO THE EARTH Return Version." You can experience the miracle of Hayabusa once again. Dates: June 7, 2026 (Sun) - June 14, 2026 (Sun) Weekdays: 16:00~ Weekends: 13:00~ / 16:00~ *Closed on 6/8 (Mon) Venue: City Museum, Planetarium Admission: Adults 500 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students 200 yen, 65 and older 250 yen (proof required) *City residents/stu