[National Museum of Nature and Science] Develops Traveling Exhibition to Convey the Importance of Preserving Specimens and Materials for the Future; Traveling Exhibition Opens for the First Time at Yokosuka City Museum of Art and Natural History, with a Press Preview Held

The National Museum of Nature and Science (Director: Manabe Makoto) received support from many individuals through a crowdfunding campaign conducted in Reiwa 5 (2023) for the preservation of specimens and materials for the future. Based on this support, we have developed a traveling exhibition, "Museums Connecting to the Future," to convey the role of museums and the importance of specimens and materials, and to share that sentiment widely. This exhibition introduces what and how museums "collect, preserve, research, and communicate," and who is involved in these activities, by showcasing specimens, materials, and activities from the National Museum of Nature and Science and the host museum.

● Examples of Panels, Loaned Fixtures, and Loaned Specimens

Illustration: Traveling Exhibition Kit Panel Image Illustration: Experiential (Hands-on) Fixture Photo: Carcharodontosaurus Skull Replica (Loaned Specimen) Collection: National Museum of Nature and Science

● Features of This Traveling Exhibition

Selectable Specimens and Materials

Exhibition content can be selected from the fields of animals, plants, earth sciences, anthropology, and science and engineering, allowing for an exhibition composition tailored to the exhibition environment and the characteristics of the host museum.

Can be Held in Various Facilities

Uses compact fixtures, requiring no special equipment such as large elevators, making it adaptable to various venues.

Add Exhibits from the Host Museum

By combining with specimens and materials owned by the host museum, it not only creates exhibits that leverage regional characteristics but also promotes the museum's activities and appeal.

Announcement of Special Exhibition "National Museum of Nature and Science Traveling Exhibition 'Museums Connecting to the Future'" Overview

As the first stop for the traveling exhibition, a special exhibition titled "National Museum of Nature and Science Traveling Exhibition 'Museums Connecting to the Future'" will be held at the Yokosuka City Museum of Art and Natural History (95 Fukada-dai, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture) from July 18, 2026 (Reiwa 8) to November 8, 2026 (Reiwa 8).

Overview of the Exhibition at Yokosuka City Museum of Art and Natural History

【Title】 Special Exhibition "National Museum of Nature and Science Traveling Exhibition 'Museums Connecting to the Future'"

【Venue】 Yokosuka City Museum of Art and Natural History (95 Fukada-dai, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture)

3rd Floor Special Exhibition Room and Gallery

【Period】 July 18, 2026 (Sat) - November 8, 2026 (Sun)

【Opening Hours】 9:00 - 17:00

【Closed】 Mondays (If a national holiday, the following weekday)

【Admission Fee】 Free

【Organizer】 Yokosuka City Museum of Art and Natural History / National Museum of Nature and Science

【Cooperation】 Gakushuin Junior and Senior High School

【Exhibition Overview】 Refer to the attached exhibition flyer

【Planning, Editing, and Design】 Hakuten Inc.

Introduction of Traveling Exhibition Supervisors

● National Museum of Nature and Science, Department of Zoology, Terrestrial Invertebrate Research Group

Senior Researcher: Jimbo Tsugushi

Conducts taxonomic research on moths and butterflies, particularly small moths, in collaboration with phylogenetics and biogeography.

Also actively involved in building information infrastructure for disseminating and sharing diversity information, including species databases, and its application in conservation.

● National Museum of Nature and Science, Department of Botany, Terrestrial Plant Research Group

Senior Researcher: Ebihara Atsushi

Conducts taxonomic and phylogenetic research on ferns, utilizing molecular phylogenetic methods and polyploidy analysis. For the Hymenophyllaceae family, in particular, conducts fieldwork in various regions towards the completion of a global flora.

Also conducts research focusing on the characteristics of gametophytes to elucidate the complex speciation patterns of ferns.

Introduction of Host Museum Curators

● Yokosuka City Museum of Art and Natural History, Curator (Insects and Terrestrial Invertebrates)

Uchifune Toshiki

Focusing on "familiar insects," compares the Miura Peninsula, which serves as the museum's field, with other regions, while also engaging in collaborative activities to enhance the museum's presence within the community.

● Yokosuka City Museum of Art and Natural History, Curator (Earth Sciences)

Shibata Kenichiro

Conducts research to reconstruct past environments from the observation of geological strata. Has investigated strata in the Miura Peninsula, as well as in Fukushima Prefecture, Iwate Prefecture, and Utah, USA. Also researches exhibition methods to promote inquiry-based learning for visitors using geological strata as a theme.

● Yokosuka City Museum of Art and Natural History, Curator (Botany)

Yamamoto Kaoru

Conducts taxonomic research focusing on the reproductive modes and polyploidy of ferns. Also, while conducting vegetation surveys with local residents, is working on the research theme of "Exploring the Origins of Plant Diversity in the Miura Peninsula."

● Yokosuka City Museum of Art and Natural History, Curator (Marine Biology)

Nakajima Hiroki

Obtained a degree in taxonomic research on mantis shrimp from the University of the Ryukyus Graduate School, and began working as a curator in 2025. Engaged in clarifying the species diversity of marine organisms, including discovering new species of crustaceans such as mantis shrimp and their symbiotic organisms.

Visuals Flyer Front (Yokosuka City Museum of Art and Natural History Exhibition)

Visuals Flyer Back (Yokosuka City Museum of Art and Natural History Exhibition)