Historic Antarctic expedition relics from Japan’s first polar journey in 1912 have been confirmed at a museum in Taiwan. This discovery includes three taxidermied birds believed lost for decades. Their identification sheds new light on early Japanese exploration efforts in Antarctica. The relics were located at the National Taiwan Museum in Taipei. Staff confirmed the preserved specimens include an emperor penguin, an Adelie penguin, and an Antarctic eagle.Explorer and army officer Nobu Shirase led the 1912 Antarctic expedition and collected these specimens during the journey.
Researchers from The Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum in Akita, Japan, recently uncovered digital documents. These archives, from the former Taiwan Governor-General’s Office, mentioned specimens linked to the Shirase expedition. That prompted officials in Taiwan to begin a thorough internal investigation.
As a result, the museum traced the birds to entries recorded in its 1913 ledger. Staff registered the specimens under the institution’s earlier name, the Taiwan Governor Museum. Museum officials acquired them in December 1913, months after the expedition returned. The expedition, although groundbreaking, placed a heavy financial burden on Shirase and his team. To recover costs, a support group proposed selling several expedition items, including taxidermied animals. A document from June 1913 shows the Taiwan colonial government inquired about the prices of those items.
The list included the three birds now identified, along with an Antarctic stone. However, museum records show the stone never appeared in the official registry. Officials speculate it was likely not purchased. Experts in historical preservation view this as a major find. It adds physical context to Japan’s early scientific ventures in Antarctica. Furthermore, it enhances the historical record of Japan-Taiwan interactions during the colonial era.
Museum representatives in Taiwan expressed interest in future collaboration with their Japanese counterparts. They plan to preserve the birds under controlled conditions. They may also feature them in future exhibitions highlighting shared scientific heritage. Looking ahead, both institutions aim to continue joint research on other potential Antarctic expedition relics. They hope to uncover more details about the logistics and scientific achievements of Japan’s first polar journey. In summary, the rediscovery of these Antarctic expedition relics provides valuable insight into Japan’s exploration legacy and early museum practices in Asia.
