On December 23, 2024, six international students from Peking University, enrolled in the Seminar in East Asian Liberal Arts, visited the Fujiko F. Fujio Museum in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, accompanied by two faculty members, one research assistant, and two youth participants. They explored original drawings of Doraemon, a beloved character not only in Japan but also in China, as well as a recreation of the author’s desk, and became captivated by the world of “science and magic.” At the same time, the participants were mindful of a larger issue: how, during the Cold War era, the renowned Japanese manga artist Fujiko F. Fujio portrayed scientific technology, including nuclear power, and how these issues intertwine with the future of humanity. Furthermore, by comparing these works with the science fiction films of French director Chris Marker, which were viewed in a previous class, the participants are expected to gain a deeper understanding of the groundbreaking advancements in science and technology and their impact on human society and the future.
Report by CHIN Chunwah (EAA Research Assistant)

