Uncovering Prehistoric Japan
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Dinosaur fossils have been found on all continents on Earth, embedded in tar pits and rocks, in various locations from cold, wet highlands, to dry deserts. Did you know that many fossils have also been found in Japan?
Well-known creatures like the Tyrannosaurus Rex or the Triceratops may not have roamed Japan, but the country was still home to many majestic prehistoric creatures. For example, from skeletal remains found in Hyogo prefecture, scientists have posited that massive dinosaurs like the Tambatitanis have inhabited the area. North of Hyogo prefecture, fossils of the herbivorous Albalophosaurus have been found in the Kuwajima Formation in Ishikawa prefecture, and further west in Fukuoka prefecture, scientists have found the remains of the carnivorous Wakinosaurus. Besides dinosaur remains, amphibian and mammal fossils have also been found in the same rock deposits in Ishikawa and Fukuoka. There are 6 dinosaur species that were discovered in and named after the particular prefecture they were found in-- perhaps you can guess from their names which prefecture it is! These dinosaurs are: the Fukuiraptor, a large carnivorous dinosaur; the Fukuisaurus, a bipedal herbivorous dinosaur; the Fukuititan, a long-necked, herbivorous sauropod; the Koshisaurus, a herbivorous dinosaur; the Fukuivenator, a small dinosaur thought to be carnivorous; and the Fukuipteryx, a small, bird-like dinosaur. All of these dinosaurs are thought to have lived during the Early Cretaceous period, about 121-99 million years ago. As their names imply, these dinosaurs were found in Fukui prefecture, in the famed Kitadani Formation. The Kitadani Formation comprises a sizable area of rocks that date back to the Cretaceous period. It is in the rocks of this Formation where many dinosaur, plant, invertebrate, and vertebrate fossils have been found. In fact, more fossils have been unearthed in Fukui’s Kitadani Formation than anywhere else in Japan! Excavated fossils are reposited in nearby Katsuyama City’s Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, which is one of Asia’s leading dinosaur museums. Besides excavation and paleontological research, the museum is also heavily invested in education. Visitors are able to observe technicians at work in the museum’s Fossil Preparation Lab, where fossils found at the Kitadani Formation are cleaned and prepared to be exhibited. The facility also boasts a staggering collection of 42 complete dinosaur skeletons on display, seven of which are actual fossils themselves. Certain skeletons are even designed to move; this feature, along with realistic dinosaur robots and dynamic dioramas, give visitors an exciting glimpse into prehistoric life. |
 © National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo.  © Web Japan  © Web Japan  © EchizenRailway Co., LTD  © Web Japan |
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These realistic dinosaur robots are a result of Japan’s innovative combination of paleontology and technology. A company known as Kokoro Corporation has developed robot dinosaurs, which are also known as moving sculptures, that accurately replicate how dinosaurs move based on the latest research available. Kokoro’s Corporation’s ingenious robot dinosaurs are now on display all over the world at museums such as the Natural History Museum in London, and the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Advancements in paleontological research are continuously made in Japan. Recently, scientists in Japan have identified a new species of dinosaur, known as the “Kamuysaurus japonicus.” Its name, which means ‘Japanese dragon god,’ is rather fitting as its skeleton is the largest dinosaur skeleton ever found in Japan to date. Scientists uncovered its skeleton in Mukawa Town, Hokkaido, and later tests determined that it was a species of dinosaur that was yet unknown to the rest of the world. They also determined that the Kamuysaurus japonicus was herbivorous, and likely lived in the coastal areas of the region. The work of the scientists all around Japan helps inform the public about the type of flora and fauna that flourished in Japan in prehistoric times, and how the environment may have supported and preserved these lifeforms. Though it is difficult to visit the many paleontological dig sites across Japan, the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum provides a comprehensive experience for visitors whether or not they are dinosaur enthusiasts. Their use of technology and educational programmes allow for many to form a better idea of what prehistoric life was like, and to learn more about the diversity of creatures that roamed in and around Japan. |
 © Kokoro Company Ltd.  © Web Japan  © JNTO |
| It is a fun and educational facility that is sure to delight not only young children, but adults as well! It is a must-visit for dinosaur enthusiasts, so do be sure to put this museum on your itinerary on your next trip to Japan! |
Resources
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Dinosaur Museum - FUKUI. Retrieved 20 October 2020, from https://www.ana-cooljapan.com/destinations/fukui/dinosaurmuseum |
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Japan Creative Centre 4 Nassim Road, Singapore 258372 +65 6737 0434 / jcc@sn.mofa.go.jp https://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/JCC/ Nearest parking at Orchard Hotel & Delphi Orchard |
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