Message from the President
Message from the President
This year marks the final year of the National Museum of Nature and Science's fifth medium-term objectives phase (FY2021-FY2025). Looking back on this period, the crowdfunding campaign in 2023 was undoubtedly the most significant event. Its purpose was
to secure funds for the Museum's core activities to protect the collection, and to improve the collection and preservation framework. The goal was 100 million yen; the largest crowdfunding amount the Museum has ever pursued. Despite some skepticism, the
campaign finished with more than 900 million yen in support for its cause, far exceeding its initial goal. We were greatly encouraged by this outcome and by the numerous supporting messages we received. All of the staff at the Museum feel a renewed sense
of responsibility in protecting the collection.
Using this donation, the Museum has decided to engage its specimens in a travelling exhibition at science museums across Japan, to increase opportunities for people to understand the significance of its work of collecting specimens and materials. The
Museum seeks to collaborate with these museums in its endeavor to "Protect the Earth's Treasures."
As the Museum will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2027, we believe FY2025 is the year to begin activities that envisage the future. To make this possible, we restructured the research departments in April, which previously consisted of five research
departments and three centers, but has since been reorganized into four research departments (Department of Zoology, Department of Botany, Department of Paleontology and Anthropology, and Department of Science) and three centers (Center for the History
of Japanese Industrial Technology, Center for Collections, and Center for Molecular Biodiversity Research).
The success of the crowdfunding campaign has brought some prospect of a solution to the issue of specimen collection and preservation, and therefore, we will proceed with plans to revamp the Museum’s permanent collections starting this fiscal year. This renovation will primarily focus on the development of science and technology and on addressing global environmental issues, and will be undertaken under the new organizational structure of research departments. We sincerely hope that you will continue to follow our activities closely.
April 2025
Kenichi Shinoda
President, Independent Administrative Institution
National Museum of Nature and Science
President's Vision
Going forward, Kahaku will add to its mission the creation of a society in which people maintain a constant interest in science and proactively update their knowledge. To achieve this, it is necessary to transform science from something taught within school education into something that individuals embrace throughout their lives based on their own interests and curiosity. Kahaku will engage in activities that help people recognize science, like art, as something that enriches their lives and enable them to appreciate science as part of culture.
Initiatives to Realize President Shinoda's Vision
What is needed to realize “Incorporating Science into Culture” is for people to trust science and feel it as part of their everyday lives. To achieve this, we believe it is important to convey to people not only the joy and knowledge of science but also the significance of thinking scientifically in their daily lives. At Kahaku, we aim to realize “Incorporating Science into Culture” by strengthening the development of our researchers who can convey these values and by implementing new initiatives directed toward society.
The role of “Kahaku researchers” is not limited to conducting high-level surveys and research.
They convey the significance of research and the excitement of science through special exhibitions and learning support activities, contributing to the creation of a society in which everyone can think scientifically.
In addition, Kahaku supports the development of future researchers and entrusts them with carrying forward the mission of “Incorporating Science into Culture.”
Kahaku is expanding opportunities for people to engage with science and to bring it closer to them by updating exhibition content based on research findings and social trends, strengthening learning support activities for both children and adults, and
enhancing collaboration with other museums, art museums, social education facilities, and private-sector organizations.
By promoting the “development of researchers” and “new initiatives for society,” Kahaku will continue to advance its three principal operations, carried out since its founding, and engage with everyone in reflecting on the ideal relationship between the Earth and humankind.