
Akira Ōizumi
Akira Ōizumi, born in 1956, is a Japanese science fiction writer, primarily known for his contribution to the hard science fiction subgenre. His literary career began in the early 1980s, and he quickly established himself with works such as *Taikiyō* (The Sun King) in 1983. However, it was with his 1986 novel *Kaseijin no Isan* (The Legacy of the Martians) that he reached the pinnacle of his fame. This work earned him the two most prestigious awards in the genre in Japan: the Seiun Award and the Nihon SF Taisho Grand Prize, both won in 1987. His writing is distinguished by its scientific rigor, its exploration of large-scale cosmological concepts, and a remarkable ability to evoke a *sense of wonder*. Ōizumi is considered one of the leading figures of Japanese hard science fiction, praised for his ability to combine compelling narratives with plausible scientific speculation.
