In February 2021, Japan appointed its first Minister for Loneliness, Tetsushi Sakamoto. Sakamoto is a member of the Liberal Democratic Party and has served in various government positions, including as Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy. As Minister for Loneliness, Sakamoto is responsible for developing policies to address the issue of loneliness in Japan. Loneliness is a serious problem in Japan, with estimates suggesting that up to 40% of the population feels lonely. The problem is particularly acute among the elderly, who are more likely to live alone and have fewer social connections. Sakamoto’s appointment is a recognition of the seriousness of the problem of loneliness in Japan and a step towards addressing it.

The US space agency NASA released the first audio from Mars, captured by the Perseverance rover. The audio sounded like a faint crackling recording of a gust of wind in the red planet. Though a microphone did not work during the rover’s descent to the surface, it could capture audio after it landed on Mars. NASA also released the first video of the landing of the rover.