Japan's two newest astronauts spoke to NHK about training together and their aspirations for their missions.

Suwa Makoto and Yoneda Ayu were officially certified as astronauts on Monday by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, after undergoing about 18 months of basic training.

Forty-seven-year-old Suwa said Yoneda, 29, encouraged him during training because she always managed to smile even in difficult programs. He said he learned a lot from her because she sees things from a different viewpoint.

Yoneda said Suwa is a calm and composed person. But she added that he was also able to instantly ease the tense atmosphere with humor, which was helpful.

The pair are expected to take part in an international lunar exploration program, and they could be the first Japanese to set foot on the Moon.

Suwa said humans are about to advance their exploration efforts in space after a long period of historic accomplishments. He said he wants to help by passing the baton to the next generation.

When asked about what she wants to do on the Moon, Yoneda said she aims to speak in Japanese, as she believes only English has been used so far. She said she was excited to imagine a Japanese astronaut sending a message home in their own language, a brand new one for the Moon.