In an exhilarating journey back to Earth, Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi has safely landed after an impressive five-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The return took place in the early hours of Sunday, Japan time, when the Crew Dragon capsule, carrying Onishi and his fellow astronauts, touched down in the waters off California.

Witnessing his return, Onishi emerged from the capsule about an hour after landing, beaming and waving to the cameras, a heartwarming moment for space enthusiasts and the Japanese public alike.

At 49, this marks Onishi's second adventure in space, with his first flight occurring in 2016. His latest mission began in March, where he made history as the third Japanese commander of the ISS in April, demonstrating his leadership and skill in the final frontier.

Onishi made headlines again on August 2 when he welcomed fellow astronaut Kimiya Yui, also 55, to the station—an emotional reunion of two astronauts who embarked on their journeys together in Japan.

The Crew Dragon capsule departed from the ISS around 7:15 a.m. Japan time on Saturday, successfully re-entered Earth's atmosphere, deployed its parachutes, and gracefully splashed down into the ocean, wrapping up another remarkable chapter in the ongoing exploration of space.