Fossils and models of the newly classified “Sapporo Whale” species on display at Hokkaido University Museum starting the 12th.

The Whale Fossil Exhibition showcases the remarkably preserved remains of ancient whales, offering a window into their evolutionary journey from land to sea. These fossils, often millions of years old, provide crucial evidence for how these mammals adapted to a fully aquatic life. The exhibition serves as both a significant paleontological site and an educational resource on marine natural history.

Sapporo Whale is not a cultural site but rather a popular ramen restaurant chain in Hokkaido, Japan, specializing in rich, miso-based ramen. It was established in 1965 and is credited with creating the iconic Sapporo-style miso ramen, a dish that has become a cornerstone of the city’s food culture. The restaurant’s history is intertwined with the development of ramen as a beloved Japanese comfort food.

Koganeyu is a historic public bathhouse (sento) located in Tokyo’s Shinjuku ward, which originally opened in 1924. It is a notable example of traditional Japanese bathing culture and architecture, having operated for nearly a century. While it closed its doors in 2019, it remains a cherished local landmark representing a bygone era of community life.

Minami Ward is a central commercial and entertainment district in Yokohama, Japan, historically developed as a modern port city following the country’s opening to foreign trade in the late 19th century. It is famous for its vibrant Chinatown, one of the largest in the world, and the picturesque Yamashita Park waterfront.

Sapporo is the modern capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture, which was officially established in 1868 during the Meiji Restoration as a planned city. It is now internationally famous for its annual Snow Festival, its beer brewing heritage (home to the Sapporo Breweries), and for having hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics.

The Hokkaido University Museum, established in 1999, is the integrated successor to several faculty collections dating back to the founding of the university in 1876. It houses over four million academic specimens and artifacts that document the natural history and cultural research of Japan’s northern island. The museum’s mission is to preserve this vast scientific heritage and share the university’s research with the public.

Kita Ward is a special ward located in the northern part of Tokyo, Japan, historically known as an industrial and logistics hub. Its history is deeply tied to the Tabata and Ōji areas, which flourished during the Edo period and were later developed with factories and railways during Japan’s modernization. Today, it is a major residential and commercial district, home to landmarks like the Asukayama Park and the former residence of novelist Natsume Sōseki.