niponica NO.38

2025 NO.38

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The Japanese People and Space

Who Loves Space Anime?

Japanese space anime features many different types of characters in spectacular space settings. Explore the films that inspire children to dream of far-off galaxies and long to visit space someday.

Uchuu Nanchara Kotetsu-kun
(Space Academy)

Protagonist Kotetsu-kun, aiming to become an astronaut, has enrolled in the Space Academy. He and his group of friends, each with their own unique aspirations, study at the academy as they dream of becoming astronauts, rocket engineers, and even a space food chef. Viewers laugh along with the comical interactions between interesting characters while at the same time learning the answers to such fundamental questions as “How was the universe created?” and “Does space have a smell?”

©Space Academy / Chokkura Tukimade Iinkai 2

Space Brothers

Older brother Nanba Mutta aspires to become an astronaut despite being over 30 years old, while younger brother Hibito lands on the moon, fulfilling his dream a step ahead of his brother. Focusing on their efforts and setbacks, the TV series depicts the challenges they and their friends face in taking on space exploration. A carefully written and realistic look at contemporary space development, Space Brothers features the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and other real-life organizations, attracting scores of fans who are themselves involved in the space industry.

©Koyama Chuya / Kodansha Ltd. / YOMIURI TELECASTING CORPORATION / A-1 Pictures

The Galaxy Express 999

This science fiction work, airing from 1978 to 1981, was based on the manga by Matsumoto Leiji. The story follows the adventures of Hoshino Tetsuro, a young boy who boards the space train 999 with a mysterious woman, Maetel, in search of a mechanical body that will give him eternal life. The series examines human folly and weakness, as well as the idea that life is precious, as it explores the relationships between the people and life forms they meet on the planets along the intergalactic train line. The Galaxy Express 999 is modeled after the steam locomotive, and the iconic image of the whistling train speeding through the galaxy has fascinated legions of viewers.

The Orbital Children

Set in 2045, a time when space travel has become altogether commonplace, this anime series follows five children stranded in a space hotel following a catastrophic accident. Overcoming one difficulty after another, the children attempt to escape unassisted. While the series brings a sense of urgency to its depiction of the extreme conditions in space, it also presents a realistic image of future in space, complete with convenience stores, the Internet, and comfortable human coexistence with AI.