34th Lake Biwa Museum Special Exhibition: 'The Museum as a Time Machine – Lake Biwa Through the Eyes of Ichthyologists'

Overview

・The exhibition will be held from Saturday, July 18, 2026 (Reiwa 8) at the Lake Biwa Museum's Special Exhibition Hall.

・Important specimens from Lake Biwa, including fish collected by German physician and naturalist Philipp Franz von Siebold and used for scientific naming, will return to Japan.

・The taxidermy specimen (type specimen) of the crested ibis, a Special Natural Monument of Japan, will come to Japan from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center (Netherlands).

・The exhibition will explain the significance and importance of preserving specimens, as well as new discoveries revealed through historical specimens.

・This exhibition invites visitors to reflect on how fish in Lake Biwa have been studied from the Edo period to the present, and what kind of legacy we should leave for the future.

Exhibition Information

・Period: Saturday, July 18, 2026 (Reiwa 8) to Monday, November 23 (National Holiday)

・Hours: 9:30–17:00 (last admission at 16:00)

・Location: Special Exhibition Hall, Lake Biwa Museum

・Admission: Adults 340 JPY (group rate: 270 JPY), University Students 240 JPY (group: 210 JPY), Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students 170 JPY (group: 130 JPY)

※ Separate admission fee required for the permanent exhibition.

※ Group rates apply for groups of 20 or more.

Exhibition Overview

During the Edo period, the legendary Lake Biwa—said to have formed overnight—was known not only throughout Japan but also overseas. From the Edo period onward, Lake Biwa has fascinated numerous naturalists, leading to extensive research. As a result, many specimens related to Lake Biwa are preserved around the world.

Specimens serve as definitive proof that a particular organism once existed. This exhibition will display specimens that reveal how the living organisms in Lake Biwa have changed over time, using historical specimens that remain crucial for modern scientific research.

Highlights

◆ Display of numerous 'type specimens' that defined new species

Type specimens are those used to describe and define a new species, serving as definitive proof of a species' existence. These specimens are carefully preserved. This exhibition will feature type specimens from domestic collections, as well as specimens collected by Siebold during the Edo period and preserved overseas.

Main type specimens on display (★ indicates first display in Japan):

・Lake Biwa Giant Catfish (National Museum of Nature and Science) ★

・Iwato Catfish (National Museum of Nature and Science) ★

・Biwa Trout (Lake Biwa Museum)

・Gengoroubuna (Naturalis Biodiversity Center) ★

・Ichi-monji Medaka (California Academy of Sciences) ★

・Aburahigai (Maizuru Fisheries Research Station, Kyoto University)

・Isaza (Lake Biwa Museum) ★

Type specimen of Lake Biwa Giant Catfish (National Museum of Nature and Science)

Type specimen of Ichi-monji Medaka (California Academy of Sciences)

◆ First 'homecoming' of the crested ibis taxidermy collected by Siebold

The type specimen used to name the crested ibis (Ibis nippon, now Nipponia nippon) is believed to have been purchased by Siebold in Shiga Prefecture. With the cooperation of the Naturalis Biodiversity Center (Netherlands), this taxidermy specimen will return to Japan for the first time.

This is a precious Edo-period taxidermy specimen. Please visit during this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Type specimen of the crested ibis (Naturalis Biodiversity Center)

※ Exhibition may end early during the period depending on specimen condition.

◆ Creatures known only from records

While specimens reveal fish that once lived in Lake Biwa, some creatures remain uncertain due to lack of physical evidence.

The mysterious fish 'Ganaita' depicted in Edo-period illustrations has catfish-like whiskers and a head resembling a Nigoi fish. Historical records in the book 'Ko Gyokō' mention a giant catfish up to 9 shaku (approximately 2.7 meters) long. Whether this was a misidentification or a real creature, no specimen remains as evidence.

This exhibition will display reconstructed models of 'Ganaita' and the '9-shaku giant catfish.' Experience what they might have been like if they truly existed.

◆ 'Collections' showcasing ichthyologists' research achievements

From the Edo period to the present, researchers have studied how fish in Lake Biwa have changed over time. This exhibition will display valuable specimen collections left by past researchers, organized by historical period.

Lake Biwa has undergone significant human intervention over time, affecting its ecosystem. By examining specimens preserved by past researchers, we can understand environmental changes in Lake Biwa and reflect on how we should coexist with it in the future.

※ Special cooperation: The Ship Science Museum 'Umi no Manabi Museum Support'