🔶 Venue: Otaru Aquarium (https://otaru-aq.jp/) 

🔶 Date: October 3 Afternoon 13:30-17:00

◆ Visit to the Habitat of the Japanese Crayfish (Cambaroides japonicus)

The Japanese crayfish (Cambaroides japonicus) is an endemic and rare species in Japan. Its primary distribution is in Hokkaido, where the symposium will be held. This species inhabits pristine mountain headwaters, making it difficult to observe even in local habitats.

◆ Otaru Aquarium and Japanese Crayfish Habitat

Located about one hour from Sapporo by train and bus, the Otaru Aquarium is close to the symposium venue (Hokkaido University, Sapporo). The aquarium exhibits various aquatic organisms, including native crustaceans of Hokkaido, and takes advantage of the surrounding natural coastal environment to offer visitors a rich experience of regional aquatic biodiversity.

Next to the aquarium’s parking area lies a natural habitat of the Japanese crayfish. Symposium participants who are interested may be granted special access to visit this protected area.

◆ Entrance fee: 

1,500 JPY

◆ Guidance: 

Staff will safely guide visitors through the area.

◆ Observation: 

Participants can approach the waterside and observe live specimens previously secured by staff.

◆ Note: 

Due to conservation regulations, collection or removal of crayfish from the habitat is strictly prohibited.

◆ Participation Details

● Participants who wish to join on the day should gather at the main entrance of the Otaru Aquarium at 13:30.

● No chartered buses will be provided.

● A staff member will accompany participants from the conference venue to the aquarium using public transportation.

● Departure from the venue: 10:00

● Return: Staff will also guide participants back to the venue after the visit.

◆ Transportation Costs

● Bus fare: 240 JPY (one way)

● Train fare: 800 JPY (one way)

🔶 Venue: Graduate School of Environmental Science, Faculty of   　　　　　Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University

　　　　　● Building: N10W5     ● Room: A 809  

https://maps.app.goo.gl/iMEKKifKm4pGBJmFA 

🔶 Date: October 3 Morning 9:00-12:00

◆ Background

This workshop, held following the main symposium, will focus on branchiobdellidans, a group of ectosymbiotic annelids associated with crayfish. 

The session will include: 

● Guidance on species identification
● Techniques for specimen preparation for taxonomic work
● Protocols for future ecological studies

◆ Facilitators

● Jean-François PARPET

● Tomoaki KONNO

◆ Workshop Activities 

● A brief review and overview of the purpose of the workshop will be  

    provided.

● Participants will perform the isolation of branchiobdellidans from live 

    individuals of the Japanese crayfish (Cambaroides japonicus).

● The isolated branchiobdellidans will be prepared on microscope slides for 

    observation.

● The specimens will be fixed for subsequent morphological examination 　and molecular analysis.

🔶 Venue: Natural History Museum in Hokkaido University 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/cMVsDMkGmN2Q6zYC8 

🔶 Date: October 3 Afternoon 13:00-17:00

◆ Background

The symposium will take place at Hokkaido University, which is home to the Hokkaido University Museum.

In addition to its engaging public exhibitions, the museum houses a vast collection of taxonomically significant specimens that support academic and scientific research.

During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to:

● Visit the exhibition galleries

● Upon request, take a guided tour of the museum’s specimen repository,   　which is normally not accessible to the public.

◆ Facilitators

● Tadashi KAWAI

● López ORTEGA