Worlds Intersecting at an Observatory overlooking Tokyo — Orb: On the Movements of the Earth × Tokyo City View Exhibition Report

A tie-up event between the popular manga series Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, which received a TV anime adaptation in October 2024, and the Roppongi Hills observatory "Tokyo City View" will open on Friday, April 10.

Titled "Orb: On the Movements of the Earth × TOKYO CITY VIEW – A Perspective-Shifting Experience at the Observatory," the event juxtaposes the story of people who risked their lives to prove the heliocentric theory with the observatory space 250 meters above sea level. It is a fusion where the starry skies medieval astronomers gazed upon intersect with the modern nightscape of Tokyo.

Iconic scenes and quotes from the story are dynamically displayed within this unique setting. This report provides a glimpse into the event, primarily featuring photos taken during the press preview held the day before the opening.

Upon entering the observatory, which features 11-meter-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering a panoramic view of Tokyo’s night lights, visitors are greeted by displays of characters looking up at the night sky as depicted in Orb: On the Movements of the Earth. It is a profound experience to gaze at the Tokyo sky while reflecting on the characters' relentless pursuit of truth.

The entrance area of the observatory also features a photo spot where visitors can take commemorative pictures while holding an astrolabe—an astronomical instrument that appears in the series.

In the main exhibition area, key scenes from the series are curated around the themes of "Conviction" and "Truth." During the press preview, a guided tour was led by philosopher Yoshihiro Tanigawa, who served as a planning collaborator, and planetarium creator Takayuki Ohira, a special collaborator.