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Yamazaki Naoko was born in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture on December 27th, 1970. Her parents are Akito and Kimie. From 1975 to 1978, she lived in Sapporo and it was there she first learned the world of space. Her motive of being an astronaout was sprouted in January 1986, when Space Shuttle Challenger exploded. She decided to become one after hearing the story of Sharon Christa McAuliffe. After graduating Ochanomizu Girl's High School, she went to Tokyo University and majored in space aeronautics.She gained master's degree in 1996, and entered Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency the same year. She was elected as candidate in February 1999, and was qualifed as astronaut on September 26th 2001. She was married to Yamazaki Taichi in December 1999, and has one daughter.

The article incorporates text from OpenHistory.