The National Museum of Nature and Science will hold a special exhibition "Metasequoia-Living Fossils Talk" from January 26, 2021 (Tuesday) to April 4, 2021 (Sunday).
[Detailed URL: https://www.kahaku.go.jp/event/2021/01metasequoia/ ]
"Metasequoia talks about living fossils" poster
2021 marks the 80th anniversary of the name of the Cupressaceae conifer Metasequoia, called "living fossil," by Dr. Shigeru Miki (1901-1974).
In this exhibition, we will introduce the efforts of researchers regarding the discovery and protection of metasequoia, and explain the relationship between plants and changes in the global environment. In addition, through the introduction of these conservation activities, we will also face issues such as the environmental problems facing us today.
Metasequoia Trunk Fossil Photo courtesy of University of Tsukuba Life and Environment
Metasequoia Fossil Collection: National Science Museum
[Venue] National Museum of Nature and Science Japan Pavilion 1st Floor Special Exhibition Room (7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
[Date] January 26th (Tuesday) -April 4th (Sunday), 2021 (Reiwa 3)
[Opening hours] 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
[Closed] Every Monday (However, the museum is open on Monday, March 29)
* The session is subject to change.
[Admission fee] You can see it only with the admission fee for the permanent exhibition.
(General / university students: 630 yen including tax, free for high school students and younger and 65 years old and over)
[How to enter] We are implementing measures to prevent the spread of new coronavirus infection.
* Advance reservations are required on the museum's website to enter the museum.
* Before entering the museum, we will check the temperature and physical condition, and if you have a fever, we will refuse to enter the museum.
* For details on how to enter the museum, please see the reservation site on our website.
https://www.kahaku.go.jp/news/2020/reservation/index.html
[Host] National Science Museum
[Cooperation] Axima Ensis (Akishima City Education and Welfare Center), Japan Greenery Center, Osaka City Museum of Natural History, Osaka City University Faculty of Science Botanical Garden, Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Life and Earth, Miyauchi Office, Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture Museum, University of Tsukuba Life and Environment, Botanical Garden, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, Fukushima Prefectural Museum
[Detailed URL] https://www.kahaku.go.jp/event/2021/01metasequoia/
■ What kind of plant is Metasequoia?
Metasequoia is a deciduous tree that can be found in familiar places such as schoolyards and tree-lined roads. We will introduce its characteristics and why it is called a "living fossil".
Metasequoia tree
■ Discovery of Metasequoia that surprised the world
The fossil metasequoia named by Dr. Miki and the extant species discovered after that. Introducing the story of two "discoveries".
Dr. Shigeru Miki Photo courtesy of Osaka Museum of Natural History
■ What was the time when Metasequoia lived? -From fossil producing areas in Japan-
Based on the results of Metasequoia fossil forest research discovered in Tokyo and Kinki, we will introduce the environment and the flora and fauna that lived there millions of years ago.
Landscape map around Lake Biwa Drawing: Brian William Collection: Shiga Prefectural Lake Biwa Museum
■ Why did Metasequoia become extinct from Japan?
We will approach the mystery of why Metasequoia, which had spread to the Arctic Circle, remained only in some parts of Asia and disappeared from Japan.
Japan's oldest metasequoia fossil collection: Fukushima Prefectural Museum
■ Present and future of Metasequoia
After the discovery of the extant species, the efforts of researchers have spread Metasequoia to the world again. Introducing your own fabric and conservation activities in Japan.
Metasequoia native fabric (Hubei, China) Photo courtesy of Minoru Tsukakoshi, Satoshi Atsui
■ What do you learn from Metasequoia?
The extinct Metasequoia is now facing environmental problems again. What should we learn through "living fossils"?
Metasequoia specimens studied by Dr. Miki Collection: Osaka Museum of Natural History
* Currently, advance reservation is required for admission. Please be sure to visit the official website before visiting.
[Opening hours] 9:00 to 17:00
[Closed] Every Monday (Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday)
[Admission fee] General / university students 630 yen including tax, high school students (including college students) and younger and 65 years old and over free
[Location] 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8718
[Inquiries] 050-5541-8600 (Hello dial)
[Official homepage] https://www.kahaku.go.jp/
