Osaka City Museum of Natural History and Juku Kenkyusha Collaborate to Support Summer Vacation Science Projects! Limited-Time Distribution of Original Guidebook for Beginners on Making Plant, Shell, and Insect Specimens Starting July

Zoshindo Publishing Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nishi-ku, Osaka; President: Yasuharu Okamoto) will begin limited-time distribution on July 4, 2026, at the Osaka City Museum of Natural History of an original collaborative booklet titled 'Let's Make Specimens! A Beginner's Guide,' co-created with the museum to support making plant, shell, and insect specimens.

While specimen-making is a popular hands-on learning experience among elementary school students and their parents, feedback has indicated concerns such as 'It doesn't seem easy to try casually' or 'Signing up for a specimen-making workshop feels intimidating.'

To address this, expert curators from the Osaka City Museum of Natural History—rich in knowledge and experience—have teamed up with editors from Juku Kenkyusha, a publisher of educational reference books, to create this guide. It summarizes key points and step-by-step instructions using diagrams, illustrations, and easy-to-understand explanations, enabling even elementary students with no prior experience to try specimen-making at home.

The booklet is designed not only for summer vacation free research and inquiry-based learning but also to spark children's interest in living organisms and nature. It aims to create opportunities for deeper science learning by combining real-world experiences with books and educational materials.

Juku Kenkyusha and the Osaka City Museum of Natural History are also collaborating on 'Odekake Plus+,' an experiential learning program that combines outings with education. A collaborative event is scheduled at the museum in September. More details will be shared gradually via SNS and the official website, so please stay tuned.

■ Overview of the Original Collaborative Booklet 'Let's Make Specimens! A Beginner's Guide'

Distribution Period: July 4 (Sat), 2026 – August 9 (Sun), 2026

Distribution Locations: Front desk of the Main Building's Permanent Exhibition, Osaka City Museum of Natural History

Format: A5, 8 pages

※ Available to visitors of the permanent exhibition (admission fee required for adults, high school and university students; free for middle school students and below, individuals with disability certificates, and Osaka City residents aged 65 and over).

※ Distribution may end earlier if supplies run out, even within the stated period.

Osaka City Museum of Natural History

Located in Nagai Park, Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, this natural history museum features permanent exhibitions centered on the theme of 'Nature and Humans,' covering topics such as local nature, the history of Earth and life, evolution, and animal behavior. The museum houses dinosaur fossils, a model of a Naumann elephant, whale skeleton specimens, and more, enabling experiential learning about natural systems and biodiversity. It also hosts special exhibitions, observation events, and lectures, and is actively involved in research and educational activities. Specimen-related events are frequently held.

Address: 1-23 Nagai Koen, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka City

https://omnh.jp/

Zoshindo Publishing Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1890, this educational publisher pioneered Japan’s first drill-style learning materials and established the genre of comprehensive reference books with the concept of 'everything you want to know.' For over 130 years, it has consistently developed cutting-edge educational materials, including the long-selling 'Jiyu Jizai' series, which has sold over 27 million copies in its 70-year history. Guided by the mission to 'deliver the best learning to everyone who learns,' the company now expands its educational initiatives beyond publishing into digital services, overseas operations, and diverse learning programs for children with developmental characteristics and foreign children. It also operates NEXT LEARNING Labs, conducting pilot research on AI and VR technologies and developing content for new fields.

Headquarters: 3-3-6 Shinmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka City

Representative: President Yasuharu Okamoto

http://www.zoshindo.co.jp/

Parent-Focused Educational Information Site 'manavi'

https://www.manavi.zoshindo.co.jp

● About 'Odekake Plus+'

'Odekake Plus+' is a new-style learning content proposed by Zoshindo Publishing, a textbook publisher celebrating its 135th anniversary. It blends outings with learning, allowing children and parents to visit various locations across Osaka and enjoy a quiz rally-style experience. Participants visit sites in person, search for clues from scenery or exhibits (products), and solve quests (quizzes) on a dedicated website.

▼ Dedicated Website

https://www.manavi.zoshindo.co.jp/odekake/

● Official Instagram Updates

Adventure Association Osaka Headquarters | Odekake Plus+ (@osaka_bouken)

Follow for the latest updates from the Adventure Association and characters featured in 'Odekake Plus+,' including tips for family outings, Osaka travel spots, and gourmet information.

■ Media Inquiries and Contact

Zoshindo Publishing Co., Ltd.

Contact: Yamamoto, Public Relations & Marketing Division, Management Department

E-mail: info@zoshindo.co.jp