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Celebrating Takachan: An Elephant's Legacy at Takashimaya

In the heart of Nihonbashi, Takashimaya Historical Museum is excited to announce an upcoming exhibition titled “Riding Elephants: The Story of Takachan from the Rooftop of a Department Store (Tentative Title)” which is scheduled for March to August 2026. This special event invites the public to participate in recalling the fond memories of Takachan, the beloved elephant who captured the hearts of many during the post-war years.

Takachan's Unique Charisma

Takachan, who came from Thailand, was not just any ordinary elephant; he was an intriguing character known for his gentle personality and playful nature. Weighing around 560 kg upon arrival, Takachan grew to a whopping 1,800 kg over the next four years. His lovable traits made him a cherished companion for children and visitors alike. As if that weren’t enough, Takachan had a range of talents, from playing musical instruments like the trumpet and drums to performing live shows, enchanting audiences with his abilities.

His affinity for children further solidified his popularity, as he often played with them in the rooftop space of Takashimaya. Takachan was especially fond of bananas and had a hearty appetite, enjoying various treats such as apples and bread.

However, despite his impressive size and charm, Takachan had his quirks. He loved splashing around in fountains but wasn’t particularly fond of the cold winter months. With a pair of keenly adept trunk-like appendages, he could pick up items and interact with his surroundings in clever ways.

An Invitation to Share Memories

In preparation for the exhibition, we are calling upon the community to share their personal photographs featuring Takachan. Did you happen to snap a photo with this incredible elephant during a visit to the rooftop of Takashimaya? We want to hear from you! Each photograph will become a part of this nostalgic journey, showcasing the fond memories that the people of Japan have with this enchanting creature.

Eligibility:
We are looking for photographs that include both Takachan and individuals, preferably taken during the time he resided at Takashimaya between May 1950 and May 1954.

How to Submit Your Photos:
To participate, please ensure to review the application guidelines carefully. Your submission constitutes acceptance of the following conditions:

• - Mail physical photographs or email your images as digital files to the designated address:

- Postal Address:
Takashimaya Historical Museum TOKYO, 6th Floor, 2-12-10 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0027, Japan
- Reference: Takachan Division
- Email: [email protected]

• - Include the following information with your submission:

1. Date of the photograph (if known)
2. Your name, address, age, and phone number
3. Email address

• - Photographs should be in JPG format, ideally larger than 500KB.

Submission Period:
From August 2, 2025, to November 4, 2025. All submissions should be postmarked or emailed by the latter date.

Important Notes

• - Only submit images for which you hold full copyright.
• - Ensure that you have obtained permission for any recognizable individuals present in the photographs.
• - The submitted images will only be used for the exhibition, promotion, and related publications limited to this project.
• - We regret to inform you that submitted photographs will not be returned.

In addition to the photo submission, visitors to Takashimaya Historical Museum can participate in our “Do You Know Our Takachan?” campaign launching on August 2. By presenting a screenshot of your following status on social media (X, Instagram, or LINE), you can receive a unique Takachan sticker featuring one of seven designs. Please remember that this giveaway is limited to one sticker per person while supplies last.

Get Excited for the Exhibition!

The upcoming exhibition not only showcases the beloved memories of Takachan but also paves the way for us to explore the changes in the image of elephants in Japan over the years. Why were elephants so enthusiastically embraced during that era? We're eager to unravel these narratives alongside the historical context of Takachan's time.

As we prepare for this retrospective, we hope to hear your stories and see your cherished moments with Takachan. For further inquiries, please reach out to us at the contact information listed below:

Contact Information:
Takashimaya Historical Museum TOKYO, Takachan Division
2-12-10 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0027
Phone: 03-3211-4111 (Main Line)
Email: [email protected]

Together, let’s celebrate Takachan and the joy he brought to countless hearts during an enchanting time in history!