In this exhibition, visitors enjoy displays covering a wide range of accumulated knowledge. We use the magnificent world of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth to explore everything from historical research on heliocentrism, to current observation technologies. You will receive a “Heliocentrism Research Notebook” when you enter the venue. You can use the notebook to take a quiz as you explore hands-on exhibits that faithfully recreate famous scenes from the anime, watch powerful videos, and enjoy a photo spot where you’ll feel like you’re in the world of the anime. This immersive exhibition is an exploration of the universe that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.
Exhibition Overview
The exhibition is structured to let visitors enjoy thinking and learning. With your “Heliocentrism Research Notebook” in hand, you’ll experience a four-chapter learning journey that goes from the beginnings of heliocentrism to current observation technologies.
[Chapter 1: An Encounter with Heliocentrism]
While traveling through the world of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, you’ll learn the ideas about astronomy that appear in the anime. Gain familiarity with the world of astronomy through a hands-on experience with an ancient device used to measure celestial bodies, called an astrolabe (which you are permitted to touch at the venue), and by passing through a projected space with a sky full of stars.
[Chapter 2: Proof of Heliocentrism]
Next, you’ll experience the proof behind heliocentrism through an astrological experiment. Under the theory of geocentrism, the planet Venus cannot be full, while in heliocentrism Venus is full and can be seen. By experiencing the method for viewing Venus at the venue, you can feel the excitement of the characters in Orb.
[Chapter 3: The Spread of Heliocentrism]
We then focus on the technology used to spread heliocentrism. There were three major inventions in the Renaissance period that changed the world: gunpowder, the compass, and the movable-type printing press. Among these, the printing press played a large role in spreading heliocentrism through the society of that period. Envision the spread of heliocentrism as you get hands-on experience with the printing process by arranging the movable type of a printing press.
[Chapter 4: Heliocentrism: Past, Present, and Future]
In the final chapter, visitors learn about modern observation technologies in addition to the achievements of the historical figures who popularized heliocentrism. Heliocentrism began with observations made with the naked eye of stars shining in the night sky. How has this kind of interest in, and study of space been carried over to the present day? You’ll learn about the development of observation technologies, from the past to the present.
Exhibition Highlights
1. Unravel Mysteries with Your “Heliocentrism Research Notes” in Hand!
With the “Heliocentrism Research Notes” distributed at the venue entrance in hand, and you can answer quiz questions while experiencing the exhibition to get an original sticker exclusive to this exhibition. Take the quiz to prove the heliocentrism and experience the joy of exploration.
*You can choose between the “Heliocentrism Research Notes” for astronomers, which is more difficult, or for astronomical assistants, which is relatively easier.
2. Get Hands-on with a Movable-type Printing Press
We have prepared a corner with a simple hands-on experience with a movable-type printing press, which is the key to spreading heliocentrism in the story of Orb. Visitors can sense the period of the TV anime Orb in the background as they experience a historic printing technology with their own hands, and get a feel for how the characters in the story spread their knowledge. We hope you enjoy the beauty of the type and the texture of the ink on the paper as you contemplate the passion of those who pursued the truth.
[What is a Movable-type Printing Press?]
It is a type of letterpress printing in which ink is applied to the raised surface of the letterpress to copy letters and figures onto paper. In contrast to woodblock printing, in which a single plate is engraved for each page or sheet of paper, letterpress allows for quick and efficient printing of text by allowing for rearrangement of the metal letterforms, or “movable type” — letters that can be endlessly recombined into different words.
3. A stunning ending movie! The visual experience created by the super panoramic screen with the song “Kaiju” by Sakanaction.
At the final of the exhibition, the rock band “Sakanaction” will perform the anime theme song “Kaiju” as background music while a 15-meter-wide super panoramic screen creates a dynamic visual experience. The overwhelming scale and realism of the film deepens the lingering impact of the story. We hope you enjoy this magnificent movie and savor the excitement of the exhibition up to the very last moment.
In addition, you can immerse yourself in the world of the anime with experiential exhibits, a photo spot, and more.
Astrolabe experience
Photo spot
A path through a starry night sky
Overview
- Title
- Special Exhibition— “Orb: On the Movements of the Earth -an act of planet-”
- Period
- March 14 - Jun 1, 2025
- Open
- 10:00 - 17:00 (New admission is not allowed after 16:30)
- Closed
- Tuesdays (open on March 25, April 1, 29, May 6)
- Venue
- "Special Exhibition Zone" 1F, Miraikan
- Admission fee
-
Adult [19 years and older]: 2,200 yen (2,000 yen)
Under 18 years [elementary school age and older]: 1,500 yen (1,300 yen)
Preschooler [4 years and older]: 500 yen (400 yen)
*Prices in parentheses ( ) are for groups of 8 or more. All prices include tax.
*Free admission is available for holders of disability or beneficiary certificates and their attendant (limit of one person).
*This ticket also grants admission to Miraikan’s Permanent Exhibitions. Does not include admission to the Dome Theater (reservations required).
*For group reservations (8 or more people), please see"Group Visits".
- Organizer
- Miraikan, Special Exhibition “Orb: On the Movements of the Earth” Production Committee
- Supported by
- Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, TOKYO WATERFRONT AREA RAPID TRANSIT, Yurikamome
- In cooperation with
- TOPPAN Holdings inc. Printing Museum, Tokyu Railways
- Sponsor
- SKY Perfect JSAT
- Official website of this exhibition
-
Special Exhibition— “Orb: On the Movements of the Earth -an act of planet-” official website
What is Orb: On the Movements of the Earth?
Serialized in Shogakukan's Weekly Big Comic Spirits from September 2020 to April 2022, this popular fictional work by manga artist Uoto is about people risking their lives to explore heliocentrism in a 15th-century European country. It has sold more than 5 million copies in total and has won a number of awards, including the Manga Grand Prize at the 26th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize awards.