The why and how of SpaceX’s first moon passenger, Yusaku Maezawa

What exactly is known about the 42-year-old Japanese billionaire?

Well, he is one of Japan’s richest people and was ranked the 18th richest person in Japan by Forbes. He used to be a skateboarder and was a drummer in a band called Switch Style.

He is the founder of Start Today, a mail-order CD and record business he founded in 1998, which expanded into the online fashion business with Zozotown in 2004. Last year, the site boasted 7.2 million customers.

Maezawa said his interest in the moon started as a child.

“Ever since I was a kid, I have loved the moon,” he said. “Just staring at the moon filled my imagination. It’s always there and has always continued to inspire humanity.”

But he doesn’t want to go alone either. He’s taking along artists representing Earth who will contribute to a project called #DearMoon.

Maezawa is taking along about six to eight artists and the expedition will be free for them. The selection process is already underway and the artists will be prepared to undergo the trip which will most likely be in 2023.

“I love art. And I’m very much looking forward to seeing what different artists getting together could bring to life,” he said.

“He is the bravest person and the most willing to do so, and he was the best adventurer I think,” Musk said of Maezawa.

“He stepped forward to do it. To be clear, we are honoured that he would choose us. This is not us choosing him… He is a very brave person to do this.”