The Himi-lab (English page)

Japanese / English

Activity Objectives and Overview

The Himi Collaborative Research Laboratory (Himi-lab), in cooperation with the Faculty of Science, University of Toyama and Himi City, aimed “to protect the rich natural environment of the region and to widely utilize output richness.” In order to achieve these objectives, we 1) conducted academic research on the conservation of rare species in Himi City and its surrounding area, 2) took advantage of education in the Faculty of Science, University of Toyama, 3) organized cooperation activities with local educational agencies, and 4) spread awareness-raising activities for local residents. These activities are in line with the ultimate goal, enhancement of research and education and global and regional contributions of the University of Toyama.

History of establishment

On April 1, 2011, Himi-lab began its activities on the basis of the agreement on cooperation between the Faculty of Science, University of Toyama and Himi City by utilizing the former Busshouji Elementary School (School Utilization) in Himi City.

Overview of the research activities

At Himi-lab, we have been conducting research for the purpose of conservation of Itasenpara bitterling (Acheilognathus longipinnis), which is an endangered species and designated as a national natural monument in Himi, Japan. Further, we have also researched other aquatic animals, such as bitterlings and lampreys, mountainous wild mammals, such as deer and wild boar, and assessed the environmental impact on these animals. For our research at Himi-lab, we use aquarium experiments, measurement, microscopic observation, and molecular experiments.

Overview of regional cooperation

As cooperation activities with educational institutions of the region, we visit mainly the Himi City elementary schools and junior high schools, talk about nature and wildlife, such as Itasenpara bitterling, and conduct joint activities, such as biological field survey. Further, we provide summer science classrooms for students in elementary schools, junior high schools, and high schools of the region.

As awareness-raising activities for local residents, we have held academic seminars and annual activities board of Himi-lab for citizens. Further, we set up a “Himi-lab Aquarium” in the lab. We have also provided a place to learn about fishes and nature to visitors through the exhibitions of live fishes collected from the surrounding area of the lab and panel introductions.

Himi-lab Aquarium

The Himi-lab Aquarium was established on October 13, 2012. This aquarium currently exhibits more than 30 species of freshwater fishes inhabiting the surrounding area. By establishing this aquarium, we intended to convey the importance of nature and to increase visitors’ interest in nature as the first step.

The “individual exhibition” comprises individual water tanks for each fish species to introduce characteristics about their ecology, distribution, and conservation status. The “ecological exhibition” introduces the relationship and connection between living fishes in the surrounding area.

Topics: Itasenpara bitterling and relative species

Itasenpara bitterling, which is designated as a national natural monument in Japan, is the center of the exhibition. The bitterling lays its eggs inside the mantle cavity of bivalve molluscs. In the Himi-lab Aquarium, visitors have the opportunity to see the valuable fish species. As relative species of Itasenpara bitterling, two native bitterlings are exhibited together. Visitors can then make a comparison between the two.

Contact information

Address: Himi Collaborative Research Laboratory “Himi-lab,” 1927 Soryo, Himi City, Toyama 935-0113, Japan

Phone: +81-766-91-2249

E-mail: himilabo@p1.cnh.ne.jp