Japanese billionaire blasts off to International Space Station, planning to achieve 100 tasks

Japanese entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa has blasted off on a trip to the International Space Station (ISS), joining the growing list of billionaires who have made it to space.

He plans to carry out 100 tasks in space, including playing golf.

Mr Maezawa made his fortune through e-commerce companies including Zozotown.

He was once a drummer in a punk rock band, and last year launched a show in search of a new girlfriend to join him in space, but later canceled it.

A Russian rocket carrying Mr Maezawa took off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

He is expected to spend 12 days at the ISS and is the first space tourist to visit the station in recent years.

It is a precursor to Mr Maezawa’s much-publicized trip to the Moon in 2023.

Wednesday’s launch saw Mr Maezawa accompanied by Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin and video producer Yozo Hirano, who is documenting the voyage for the billionaire’s YouTube channel.

Mr Maezawa underwent a rigorous training program prior to the launch, which included sleeping on an inclined bed, being spun around in a chair, and playing long periods of badminton – all of which he has documented on social media.