From the first appearance of Godzilla through the latest live action anime adaptation, even a casual American sci-fi fan will be familiar with Japanese science fiction. Yet the world of Japanese sci-fi is filled unique storytelling perspectives, strange worlds, and blurred lines between genres that can seem strange to a western audience. By learning about the history of science fiction in Japan, and the cultural underpinnings of themes, tropes, and storytelling conventions the rich world of Japanese sci-fi becomes easier to navigate.
