Naoko Yamazaki

is a Japanese engineer and former astronaut at JAXA. She was the second Japanese woman to fly in space. The first was Chiaki Mukai. After graduating from Ochanomizu University Senior High School in 1989, Yamazaki earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Tokyo in 1993 and a Master of Science degree with a major in Aerospace Engineering in 1996. Since 2001, Yamazaki has participated in ISS Advanced Training and supported the development of the hardware and operation of the Japanese Experiment Module.

In November 2008, JAXA announced that Yamazaki would become the second Japanese woman to fly in space on STS-131, which launched on 5 April 2010. Since the Space Shuttle retired the following year in 2011, she was also the last Japanese astronaut to fly the Space Shuttle.

On April 5, 2010, Yamazaki entered space on the shuttle Discovery as part of mission STS-131. She returned to Earth on April 20, 2010.

The four astronauts of STS-131 and Expedition 23 (Yamazaki on the top right), the first time four women being at the same time in space.

Yamazaki retired from JAXA on August 31, 2011.

Post JAXA After returning to Earth, after spending a total of 15.12 days in space, Yamazaki continued her studies and research University of Tokyo since December 2010.

In July 2018, Yamazaki co-founded the Space Port Japan Association, which is an organization to support efforts to open spaceports in Japan through collaboration with companies, groups and government institutions. She is an adviser to the Young Astronaut Club, and Chairman of the Women in Aerospace program of the Japan Rocket Society.

Personal life Yamazaki was married to Taichi Yamazaki and the couple have two children; they were divorced in February 2012. She enjoys scuba diving, snow skiing, flying and music.

In 2007, Yamazaki provided the voice as herself in episode 7 of the anime Rocket Girls.