Special Exhibition "120th Birth Anniversary: Biological Research by Emperor Showa" (April 20 – June 20, 2021)

Emperor Showa (April 29, 1901 to January 7, 1989) made many important contributions to academia as a biologist. In commemoration of the 120th anniversary of his birth this year, the National Museum of Nature and Science is holding a special exhibition to offer the public the true picture of the biologist Emperor Showa.

Precautions for Visitors

29 May 2021

The National Museum of Nature and Science and The Institute for Nature Study will reopen from June 1, 2021.

Please book in advance
Online advanced booking is required for all visitors to enter the museum (Ueno district).
Please check below for more details.

Exhibition

Title	Special Exhibition “120th Birth Anniversary: Biological Research by Emperor Showa”
Period	April 20 – June 20, 2021
Hours	9:00-17:00 *Opening days, hours etc. are subject to alteration. Please check the website before your visit.
Closed	April 25 – May 31, June14
Organizers	National Museum of Nature and Science
Cooperation	The Imperial Household Agency, Tochigi Prefectural Museum, The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Yamashina Institute for Ornithology

Access

National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo
Address	7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8718

>>　more infomation

Map of National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo.

What to see

Collection

Pseudoclathrozoon cryptolarioides
(Showa Emperor announces as a new species)

Emperor Showa himself collected a large variety of biological specimens in the field, including myxomycetes (slime molds), plants, and hydroids. He was also presented with numerous specimens from both Japanese and overseas researchers, heads of state and others. The total number of these specimens exceeds 60,000.

History

Pressed leaf specimen

Emperor Showa showed an interest in biology as early as his teenage years. Following his ascension to the throne, he would use the time between his public duties to conduct serious biological research, with a particular focus on natural history.

Life’s Work

『Plants of Imperial Palace』
(HOIKUSHA Publishers Co.,Ltd.,1989)

On the advice of Dr. Hattori, Emperor Showa decided to focus his researches on myxomycetes and hydroids. He also continued his research on plants, in which he had been interested since childhood, as his life’s work.

Network

Emperor Showa’s biological study was further vitalized through scientific communication with researchers both in Japan and overseas, via Dr. Hattori.

Contribution

Medal of the International Prize for Biology ©The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science

Emperor Showa made many extremely important contributions to biology, especially in the field of natural history, even though he conducted his research only in his leisure time, between official duties.