Juza Unno and Japanese Science Fiction
Saturday, April 26 - Sunday, September 28, 2025
Concurrent exhibition: Muttoni Collection
(Screened every 30 minutes of the hour while the museum is open)
Exhibition Overview
- “For the time being, The Theft of the Earth is just the title of a science novel. However, who can guarantee that the Theft of the Earth incident might not happen in the world of the future?” (Juza Unno, The Theft of the Earth)
Juza Unno (1897 - 1949), often called the Father of Japanese SF, wrote numerous works of science fiction (described as “fantasy science novels” at the time) during a period spanning the time around WWII, achieving immense popularity. The writers considered part of the subsequent first generation of Japanese SF authors, such as Osamu Tezuka and Sakyo Komatsu, were all fans of Unno in their childhood.
A scientist and engineer involved in the development of the vacuum tube, Unno debuted with his first publication, The Mysterious Death in the Electric Bath, in 1928. He subsequently became known as a unique writer of detective novels. Since that time, he pioneered the genre of science adventure novels for boys, applying his rich imagination and scientific knowledge to realistic depictions of such themes as robots, rockets, artificial organs, extraterrestrial life, war in space, and time travel.
This exhibition traces the trajectory of Juza Unno, his friendship with fellow Setagaya residents Seishi Yokomizo and Mushitaro Oguri, and the first generation of SF authors such as Osamu Tezuka, Shinichi Hoshi, Sakyo Komatsu, Yasutaka Tsutsui, and Aritsune Toyota, who were deeply influenced by Unno. The exhibition searches for the origins of the imagination represented by Japanese SF that has spread to boundless modes of expression today in novels, manga, anime, film, and games.
Venue
Setagaya Literary Museum, 1F Exhibition Room
Closed
Closed every Monday and May 7, July 22, August 12, and September 16. *However, the museum will be open on May 5, July 21, August 11, and September 15.
Open
10:00 am - 6:00 pm (exhibition and museum shop admission closes at 5:30 pm)
Admission fees
- Adults: 200 Yen (160 Yen).
- University and high school students: 150 Yen (120 Yen).
- Age 65+, elementary and junior high school students: 100 Yen (80 Yen).
- Persons holding a Disability Certificate: 100 Yen (80 Yen) (However admission free for university students and younger holding a Disability Certificate).
* The fees in parentheses ( ) indicate group discounts for groups of 20 people or more and discounts under the Setagaya Arts Card, etc.
* Free admission for those 65 and older on May 9, and free admission for those 60 and older on September 15.
* Payment at reception is accepted in credit card and cash.
* Most credit cards are accepted with the exception of smartphone based contactless IC cards, transportation IC cards, and e-money.
* Free admission for elementary and junior high school students residing or studying in Setagaya City on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
* Please bring the appropriate documentation to receive each discount.
* Free admission for persons with a Disability Certificate of university age or younger.
* Free admission for up to one person accompanying a person with a Disability Certificate.
* You may access this exhibition at any time during the special exhibition period using its ticket stub. However, access to this exhibition may be restricted during times of congestion.
Sponsors
Setagaya City, Setagaya Arts Foundation, Setagaya Literary Museum
Support
Setagaya City Board of Education
Cooperation
Tokushima Prefectural Museum of Literature, Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of Japan
