大阪大学　The University of Osaka
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Meet Dr. Wani,
the Machikane crocodylidae
and official mascot of
The University of Osaka

Why is UOsaka’s mascot a crocodile?

Good question!

Dr. Wani is based on the crocodile fossil found during construction of a new building at the School of Science on The University of Osaka’s Toyonaka Campus on May 3rd, 1964. FYI, Dr. Wani’s birthday is also May 3rd.
The Machikane Crocodylidae (Toyotamaphimeia Machikanensis) fossil housed and displayed in the Museum of Osaka University was designated as a National Natural Treasure in 2025.
The skull fossil of the Machikane Crocodylidae (Toyotamaphimeia Machikanensis) excavated on the Toyonaka Campus

When this fossil combined with the intelligence at The University of Osaka and the bright personality of the people of Osaka...
...it gave birth to Dr. Wani!

What else can you tell me about Dr. Wani?

Just take a look:

【Official Title】

Dr. Wani, The University of Osaka Mascot

【Profile】

  • Name: Dr. Wani
  • Birthday: May 3rd
  • Gender: Male
  • Birthplace: Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka

What is Dr. Wani like?

Something like this.

Dr. Wani loves gingko
(he doesn’t eat it, though).

But seeing two gingko leaves together makes Dr. Wani upset for some reason...
He’s usually quite busy, but his love for UOsaka and his curious and sociable nature mean he just can’t resist coming to all kinds of events at UOsaka. If you’d like him to come to your event, just give him a call!
Dr. Wani doing the “Fortune Cookie”
dance with students		 Dr. Wani runs into a look-alike
companion at the Icho Festival.

If you want to learn more about what Dr. Wani looked like before he transformed into the lovable mascot, check out this page on the Machikane Crocodylidae.

The University of Osaka Museum

What is Dr. Wani like?

Something like this.

Dr. Wani doing the “Fortune Cookie” dance with students Dr. Wani runs into a look-alike
companion at the Icho Festival.

FUN FACT

Dr. Wani loves gingko (he doesn't eat it, though).
But seeing two gingko leaves together makes Dr. Wani upset for some reason...
He’s usually quite busy, but his love for UOsaka and his curious and sociable nature mean he just can’t resist coming to all kinds of events at UOsakaU. If you’d like him to come to your event, just give him a call!

If you want to learn more about what Dr. Wani looked like before he transformed into the lovable mascot, check out this page on the Machikane Crocodylidae.

The Museum of Osaka University

What should I do if I want to use images of Dr. Wani?

Members of UOsaka should refer to the manual of use below when using images of Dr. Wani

Manual of Use (for internal use)

Dr. Wani image data (for internal use)
All others should contact the address listed below.
Public Relations Division, Department of Planning, The University of Osaka
TEL: 06-6879-7017