Exploring the Fascinating World of Bones at Teikyo University Museum

Dive into the Fascinating World of Bones

The Teikyo University Museum is currently hosting the special exhibition titled “Bone Wonderland: Exploring the Mysteries of Bones,” which runs until August 30, 2025. This event showcases the extensive research conducted by various experts at the university centered around the concept of bones. Visitors will have the opportunity to view valuable artifacts and examine ancient fossils that trace the origin and evolutionary history of bones, as well as specimens of living animal bones and rare imaging techniques that illuminate the wonders of skeletal structures.

The exhibition serves to highlight the significance of bones, not only from a biological perspective but also in relation to cultural history and modern medicine. Vertebrates, which include all animals with a backbone, possess an internal skeletal structure supporting their bodies. This skeleton is made up of ligaments, cartilage, and hardened tissues containing calcium phosphate and collagen, which collectively form what we recognize as bone. Bones are crucial for structural support, storing minerals like calcium, and are deeply intertwined with the cultural evolution of humanity. Understanding bones leads to profound insights into our existence and evolution as a species.

Exhibition Chapters

The exhibition is divided into several chapters, each focusing on different aspects of bone science:

Chapter 1: The Origins of Bone

The first section introduces early vertebrates and ancient fish with primitive skeletal structures that laid the foundation for the evolution of bone. Replicas of significant specimens like Pikaia and Bothriolepis will be displayed, courtesy of the Tokai University Marine Science Museum.

Chapter 2: The Evolution and Diversity of Bones

This section covers the evolution of bones and the diverse types they exhibit. Highlights include replicas of the Allosaurus skull, a dominant carnivorous dinosaur from the Jurassic period, as well as various mammalian skulls, emphasizing the incredible diversity of bone structures found throughout history.

Chapter 3: The Cultural History of Bones

This chapter explores how bones have impacted human culture. Visitors will learn about ancient human skulls excavated from the Uppara ruins on the Teikyo University campus, gaining insight into potential appearances based on skull characteristics, under the guidance of art displayed by Asuka Tohsaka.

Chapter 4: Our Bones

Here, the exhibit delves into the human skeletal structure, examining the significance of bone shapes and their roles in our lives.

Chapter 5: The Medicine and Technology of Bones

The final chapter focuses on technological advancements in the examination of bones, featuring cross-sections of femurs and X-ray imagery provided by the Teikyo University Department of Radiology.

Exhibition Details

- Duration: February 27, 2025 - August 30, 2025
- Location: Teikyo University Museum, B1F Solatio Square, Teikyo University Hachioji Campus
- Access: The museum is accessible via a 15-20 minute ride from Takahatafudo Station or Seiseki Sakuragaoka Station on the Keio Line, or from Tamacenta Station on both the Keio and Odakyu Lines.
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: Teikyo University Museum
- Audience: Open to all

Event Highlights

Alongside the exhibition, the museum will hold various events, including:

Lectures

1. Introduction to Anatomy - Exploring the Significance of Bone Shapes
- Date: May 31, 2025
- Speaker: Hideo Hoshi, Professor at Teikyo University
2. Introduction to Anthropology - The History of Japanese People through Human Bones
- Date: June 7, 2025
- Speaker: Kazuhiro Sakaue, Group Leader of the National Museum of Nature and Science
3. Introduction to Zooarchaeology - The Relationship between Humans and Animals through Excavated Bones
- Date: June 28, 2025
- Speaker: Manabu Uetsuki, Professor at Teikyo University
4. Introduction to Paleontology - Understanding the Evolution of Dinosaurs and Mammals through Fossils
- Date: July 26, 2025
- Speaker: Masahiro Shiba, Visiting Professor at Fujinokuni Earth Environmental History Museum

Science Experience Workshops

1. Make Your Own Key Holder with Cow Parts
- Dates: May 17, July 12, 2025
2. Mini Fossil Excavation Experience
- Dates: May 24, June 21, August 22-23, 2025
3. The Great Dissection of Bird Wings - Learning about Bird Skeletons
- Date: August 2, 2025