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Machikane Crocodylidae (Toyotamaphimeia Machikanensis) fossil to be designated as Natural Treasure
The Council for Cultural Affairs approved the designation of Machikane Crocodylidae (Toyotamaphimeia Machikanensis) fossil housed and displayed by the Museum of Osaka University as a National Natural Treasure. If officially designated, it will be the first such designation in Osaka Prefecture in the last 69 years.
The Machikane Crocodylidae fossil was discovered accidentally in some 450,000-year-old layer of earth in May 1964, during the construction of the School of Science on the Toyonaka campus of the University of Osaka. It is the first complete skeletal fossil of a crocodile discovered in Japan and is the most complete skeletal fossil of a crocodile ever found in the country. It is also the motif of our university's official mascot character, "Dr. Wani."
We will continue to engage in research and educational activities to help more people learn about the history and value of this fossil and become interested in science and culture. We are determined to play an important role in passing on cultural assets to future generations.
I was born thanks to the chemical reaction of UOsaka “intelligence” and Osaka's “brightness” onto the Machikane Crocodylidae fossil. I feel like I'm over the moon, but I will continue to keep my feet firmly on the ground like the Machikane Crocodylidae and promote our motto, “Live Locally, Grow Globally!”
In response to the recommendation by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to designate the Machikane Crocodylidae fossil, often referred to as “Treasure of the University of Osaka,” as a natural monument, the Museum of Osaka University will host guided tours of the actual fossil on June 21, 23, 27, and 28, with faculty members (and some students) providing explanations about the Machikane Crocodylidae fossil. This is a rare opportunity to view the actual Machikane Crocodylidae fossil, which measures approximately 7 meters in length, and listen to detailed explanations. Please take this opportunity to visit the museum. We plan to distribute Dr. Wani stickers as a novelty item to those who wish (ends when stock runs out).
Exhibition and guided tour of the actual fossil
[Date and time] *Approximately 45 minutes *No prior registration required
- June 21 (Sat) 2:00 PM～
- June 23 (Mon) 1:00 PM～
- June 27 (Fri) 1:00 PM～
- June 28 (Sat) 11:00 AM～ *Students
[Venue] Machikane Crocodylidae Fossil Exhibition Booth, 3rd floor, Machikaneyama Shugakukan, The Museum of Osaka University
[Speaker] Lecturer Ken ITO, The Museum of Osaka University
*The sessions marked with “*Students” will be done by museum assistant students.
[Participation Fee] Free of charge
[Capacity] The first 20 people to arrive for each session
Machikane Crocodylidae fossil, 3F, Machikaneyama Shugakukan, The Museum of Osaka University
A replica of the Machikane Crocodylidae fossil is displayed in the lobby of the Machikaneyama Shugakukan, the Museum of Osaka University.
Machikane Crocodylidae fossil Excavated in 1964
Opening Hours, Access, etc.
Machikaneyama Shugakukan, The Museum of Osaka University
1-20 Matsuyama-cho, Toyonaka City, Osaka, 560-0043
Approx. 10-minute walk from Ishibashi-Handaimae Station on the Hankyu Railway Takarazuka Line
TEL: 06-6850-6284
HP: https://www.museum.osaka-u.ac.jp/
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
Admission: Free of charge
Closed: Sundays, holidays, year-end/New Year holidays
