Profile

My name is Olena Zemliachenko. I am a planetarium commentator and a creator of cultural and educational projects related to the starry sky.

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I was born in Ukraine and began my journey at the Kharkiv Planetarium, where I first discovered that astronomy is not only a science but also a powerful way to connect with people through wonder, inspiration, and our shared place in the Universe. It was there that I developed a passion for talking about the stars in a way that makes them feel accessible and meaningful to everyone, regardless of age, language, or background. 

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I worked at the Kharkiv Planetarium for seven years. The opportunity to combine science, emotion, and direct engagement with audiences made the planetarium a very special place in my life.

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In April 2022, I evacuated to Japan due to russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. I did not know the language, had no acquaintances in Japan, and had never visited the country before. As a result, I had absolutely no idea what my future life would look like.

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My first days in Japan were emotionally overwhelming. I found myself surrounded by unfamiliar people, a completely different culture, and a language I could not understand. It felt as though the entire life I had known had  been left behind, far away. 

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At that time, there were only around 2,000 Ukrainians living in Japan, and I assumed there would be no opportunity to create Ukrainian-language planetarium programs here. I thought that I would never be able to work in a planetarium again.

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But at that moment, I decided to try to change something. I wrote an email to JAXA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, asking whether there might be any possibility for me to continue working in the field of astronomy.

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Although the answer didn't offer any direct opportunity, my resume was forwarded to the Japanese Planetarium Association. Soon afterward, I began receiving messages from planetarium professionals across Japan. They invited me to visit their facilities and offered words of encouragement and support. 

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That is how I gradually found my way back to the world of planetariums—this time in Japan. 

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In February 2023, I presented my first program at one of the largest planetariums in Tokyo.

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Since then, with the support of many people, I was able to present more than 70 programs between 2023 and early 2026. For me, this became not only a continuation of my professional path, but also a way to once again feel connected to the world that I love.

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Today, I collaborate  with planetariums and educational institutions throughout Japan. Through this work, I have been able to discover many different sides of Japan and meet countless people who share a passion for the sky and astronomy. Many of them have become what I call my “Japanese family,” and without their support I would never have achieved what I have today.

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I work in many different formats — from lectures and planetarium programs to intercultural initiatives that connect Ukrainian and Japanese perspectives on the starry sky. In my work, I strive to combine science, stories of the sky, and cultural context to create experiences that not only inform, but also inspire.

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You can read my articles and interviews here.

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One of the central ideas in my work is building a cultural bridge between Ukraine and Japan. I believe that the starry sky is a universal language shared by all people, and that through it we can better understand one another beyond borders or distance.

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Today, I continue to develop educational and cultural astronomy projects in Japan, exploring new ways of engaging audiences and searching for ways to make science feel more accessible, meaningful, and inspiring. 

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One of the projects closest to my heart is the Virtual Kharkiv Planetarium. Together with a team of volunteers, we are creating a digital space where visitors can explore a 3D reconstruction of the pre-war Kharkiv Planetarium. Through this project, we hope to preserve the memories, stories, and sense of wonder that it inspired. 

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More information about the project can be found here. 

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My journey from Kharkiv to Japan has taught me one very simple thing: even in the darkest times, people can support one another through shared dreams, science, and the desire to look up at the sky.

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Because we all share one Earth and one sky.

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If you would like to invite me to present a program at a planetarium or school, please feel free to contact me by email or through the form below.

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I look forward to meeting you under the starry sky!