National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo (Kahaku)

The museum experience is fundamentally shaped by the architectural and thematic division of its two main exhibition wings. The historic, neo-Renaissance style Japan Gallery, with its captivating interiors, showcases the unique formation of the archipelago, its geology, and the development of local flora and fauna, with a particular focus on the millennia-old relationship between humans and nature. In contrast, the modern, multi-storey Global Gallery presents the Earth's four-billion-year history and global ecosystems, from the dawn of life through the age of dinosaurs to the latest technological advancements.

The museum's collection includes numerous items of global significance that attract visitors from around the world. One of the most striking exhibits in the natural history section is the reconstruction of the Futabasaurus, discovered in Japan, which introduces visitors to the world of marine reptiles. Visitors can also see the preserved body of the legendary dog Hachiko, renowned for his loyalty. Japanese precision and technological innovation are represented by Edo-period engineering marvels, such as the intricate thousand-year clock, as well as authentic moon rocks marking milestones in space exploration. A unique and unparalleled experience awaits in the Theater 360, the world's first spherical cinema, where visitors stand on a bridge surrounded by screens in every direction, immersing themselves in the evolution of the universe and life on Earth.

Kahaku places a strong emphasis on issues concerning the future of our planet, climate change, and fostering an environmentally conscious mindset. The institution's research programmes are closely linked to biodiversity conservation, particularly through monitoring and protecting endangered and native species of the Japanese archipelago. The exhibitions highlight the Satoyama model, which exemplifies traditional Japanese sustainable land management and the mutually beneficial, harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. The museum's educational strategy encourages visitors to recognise the impact of their ecological footprint, while the active gene conservation work conducted at the museum's 14-hectare Tsukuba Botanical Garden directly contributes to the preservation of rare plant species for future generations.