Miraikan

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, known simply as the Miraikan, is a special museum in Japan created by the country's Science and Technology Agency. It is often called the "Future Museum" because it shows visitors exciting ideas about science and technology that might change the world.

The Miraikan opened its doors in 2001. It is located in a special building in the Odaiba District of Tokyo. From downtown Tokyo, people can get there using the Yurikamome, a driverless train that runs automatically, and the trip takes about 20 minutes. This museum helps everyone, especially children, learn about amazing new discoveries and inventions.

Permanent Exhibition “Explore the frontiers”

The “Explore the frontiers” zone helps visitors learn about how the world, Earth, and all life began. It also teaches about the Solar System and the universe. Visitors can explore the universe’s long history and think about how humans started and how we live with the world around us. Using science, people can consider what path we should follow for the future.

Permanent Exhibition “Create your future”

The “Create your future” zone shows ideas about what the world might look like in the future. It asks questions like, "What science and technology do we need to help us live well with lots of people?" Visitors can see how science and technology might help us build a better world.

Previously, visitors could watch demonstrations by the humanoid robot ASIMO, but these stopped in 2022.

Symbol Exhibit “Geo-Cosmos”

The Geo-Cosmos is the main display at the Miraikan. It shows Earth shining in space. The exhibit uses many pixels and the latest LED panels. These panels create bright colors and lighting, making our planet look wonderful.

Special Exhibitions

Each year, the Miraikan has two to three special exhibitions that mix science and art. These shows cover many fun topics, like "The NINJA - who were they?" and "Detective Conan: Scientific Investigation." In 2012, one exhibition was called "The Story of the End of the World: 73 Questions We Must Answer." It talked about the Tohoku earthquake and the events that followed.