Kaijin--Shell Men
: Japanese Conchologists whose Shell Collections Launched an Epoch

A remarkable variety of shellfish inhabit the waters of Japan owing to the northward Kuroshio Current and southward Oyashio Current. Since ancient times, the Japanese have felt the magical allure of shellfish, eaten them, and used their shells in daily life. In the Edo period (1603-1868), natural scientists collected shells out of natural curiosity and compiled them in beautifully detailed reference books. Thereafter, in the Meiji period (1868-1912), shellfish came to be researched scientifically. At this time, there appeared kaijin ("shell men")-- specialized researchers and amateur collectors--who together built the world of modern Japanese conchology.
This exhibition introduces 10 such kaijin and displays shells carefully selected from their collections along with related historical materials. By knowing their world--conchologists and shell collectors who devoted their lives to shells--we will discover deeper beauty and fascination in their shell specimens. Keen researchers exploring the world of land snails . . . collectors seeking out shells beautiful, tiny, or rare from all over the world. For the first time, the collections of the kaijin who launched an epoch are displayed together in a single venue. We invite you to experience an unprecedented, new world of shells.

We wish to extend our warmest appreciation to everyone whose efforts have made this exhibition possible.