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National Archives of Japan

Special Exhibition for Spring 2026: Showa 100th Anniversary Commemorative Special Exhibition, “The Japanese People of the Showa Era and the Frontier: Challenges to Antarctica, the Deep Sea, and Space”

●Exhibition Period

Friday, March 20, 2026 (National Holiday) – Sunday, May 24, 2026

Closed Mondays and Thursday, May 7

9:15 AM – 5:00 PM (No reservation required. Free admission)

Open until 8:00 PM every Friday during the exhibition period (except March 20).

●Details

What did they consider the frontier, and what did they seek there?

Upon its adoption, the era name “Showa” was said to arise from the phrase “enlightening the common people and harmonizing all nations,” advocating harmony with foreign countries. Following the example of Western nations, the Japanese of that time aimed for uncharted lands and unknown territories—the frontier—while advancing outward expansion and developing cutting-edge technologies to enhance military capabilities. However, Japan was defeated in World War II and under the Occupation faced restrictions on military technology development.

In 1952, as the Occupation came to an end and the nation once again faced the vast world on its own, what did the Japanese people consider their frontier, and what did they seek there? Although today, as we enter the “100th year of Showa,” technological advancement and the spread of the internet have reduced the “unknown” and diminished motivation for frontier exploration, this exhibition presents how the Japanese of the Showa era challenged the unknown realms of Antarctica, the deep sea, and space, as seen through materials held by our museum.

Rediscover the vitality to navigate our turbulent modern times and strive for tomorrow, from the frontier spirit of the Japanese people of the Showa era.

Exhibit website