On February 27, Brian May, the British rock band Queen's guitarist and an astrophysicist, visited the Kwasan Observatory of the Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, located in Yamashina Ward, Kyoto. The 90-year-old observatory is at risk of closure due to financial difficulties. May promised his support, and signed his autograph and the message "FOREVER" on the mount for the 45-centimeter refracting telescope in the main facility.

Professor Kazunari Shibata, former head of the observatory who has been working to keep the observatory open, had invited May to visit since around September last year. As May was in Japan for his concert tour, he made a private visit to the observatory that day and viewed the main facility and annex.

After the facility tour, May gave a media interview. Regarding the observatory which has contributed greatly to studies of the solar system in which he also specializes, he commented, "Excellent buildings, excellent contents." Stating that the universe has given him great inspiration for composing music, etc., he also said, "I hope that children today will also have that feeling."

Noting that Kwasan Observatory is having difficulty with continuing due to the buildings' deterioration and budget cuts at national universities, May emphatically said, "We must keep this observatory alive for younger generations and children. I’m also supporting this observatory, where you can experience the universe."