Japanese astronaut Mohri in Antarctica

Japanese astronaut Mohri in Antarctica

SHOWA BASE, Antarctica - Japanese astronaut Mamoru Mohri (L) and author Wahei Tatematsu pose with a colony of penguins found 20 kilometers away from the Japanese Antarctic base Showa on Jan. 12 during a visit there together with Japanese mountaineer Michiko Imai. The trio arrived at Showa Base on Jan. 7 as part of events to mark the 50th founding anniversary of the Antarctic research base. (Pool photo by Kyodo)

Astronaut Mohri, others arrive at Showa Base

Astronaut Mohri, others arrive at Showa Base

SHOWA BASE, Antarctica - Japanese astronaut Mamoru Mohri poses for photos at Japan's Showa Base in Antarctica on Jan. 7. Mohri, together with climber Michiko Imai and writer Wahei Tatematsu, arrived at the base the same day as part of events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the base's founding. (Pool photo)

Astronaut Mohri leaves for Antarctic

Astronaut Mohri leaves for Antarctic

NARITA, Japan - (From L to R) Japanese astronaut Mamoru Mohri, writer Wahei Tatematsu and mountaineer Michiko Imai prepare to leave Narita airport, east of Tokyo, on Jan. 3 for the Antarctic to observe Japanese activities at the Showa Base as part of events marking the 50th anniversary of the opening of the base.

Astronaut Mohri, others arrive at Showa Base

Astronaut Mohri, others arrive at Showa Base

SHOWA BASE, Antarctica - Japanese astronaut Mamoru Mohri poses for photos at Japan's Showa Base in Antarctica on Jan. 7. Mohri, together with climber Michiko Imai and writer Wahei Tatematsu, arrived at the base the same day as part of events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the base's founding. (Pool photo)(Kyodo)

Japanese astronaut Mohri in Antarctica

Japanese astronaut Mohri in Antarctica

SHOWA BASE, Antarctica - Japanese astronaut Mamoru Mohri (L) and author Wahei Tatematsu pose with a colony of penguins found 20 kilometers away from the Japanese Antarctic base Showa on Jan. 12 during a visit there together with Japanese mountaineer Michiko Imai. The trio arrived at Showa Base on Jan. 7 as part of events to mark the 50th founding anniversary of the Antarctic research base. (Pool photo by Kyodo) (Kyodo)

Astronaut Mohri leaves for Antarctic

Astronaut Mohri leaves for Antarctic

NARITA, Japan - (From L to R) Japanese astronaut Mamoru Mohri, writer Wahei Tatematsu and mountaineer Michiko Imai prepare to leave Narita airport, east of Tokyo, on Jan. 3 for the Antarctic to observe Japanese activities at the Showa Base as part of events marking the 50th anniversary of the opening of the base. (Kyodo)