Title: Return Engagement – Japanese Space Programs & Science Fiction Storytelling with Dr. Subodhana Wijeyeratne

Hello everyone,

After his fascinating and well‑received visit this past June, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome back Dr. Subodhana Wijeyeratne to our club on Wednesday, November 4th, 2026!

About Our Returning Speaker:
Dr. Subodhana Wijeyeratne is a historian of modern Japan and the history of space technology, with a Ph.D. from Harvard University. He is the author of the landmark book The Islands and the Stars: A History of Japan's Space Programs (Stanford University Press, 2026) – the first comprehensive English‑language history of Japan's civilian space efforts. He has also published numerous peer‑reviewed articles on topics ranging from Japanese rocket facilities to Sino‑Japanese space cooperation.

But that's only half of his creative life. Dr. Wijeyeratne is also an accomplished science fiction writer. He has published over 30 short stories in venues such as Analog Science Fiction and Fact, Aurealis, Electric Spec, and Mythaxis. His story "Termina" (Analog, Nov/Dec 2025) was a finalist for the Readers' Choice Award for Best Short Story. He has also authored three fiction books: Triangulum: An Epic of the Nine Worlds of Surya (Rosarium Publishing, 2023), The Slixes (Alban Lake Publishing, 2019), and Tales from the Stone Lotus (Writingale Publishing, 2017).

What to Expect This Time:
During his June visit, Dr. Wijeyeratne focused on the history and politics of Japan's space programs. This time, we'll broaden the conversation in an intimate interview‑style format to explore:

• His science fiction writing – the inspirations, world‑building, and how his historical expertise informs his speculative fiction

• More deep‑dive questions about the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), its triumphs and failures, and its place in the global space community

• The intersection of history and storytelling – how narratives shape our understanding of space exploration

• Ample time for audience Q&A – come with your own questions about Japanese rockets, space policy, or even how to write a publishable sci‑fi short story!

This promises to be another lively, thought‑provoking, and wide‑ranging conversation. Whether you joined us in June or are hearing Dr. Wijeyeratne for the first time, you won't want to miss this return engagement.

Clear skies, and bring your curiosity!