The Naumann elephant (Naumann’s elephant) lived on the Japanese archipelago from about 340,000 years ago to about 15,000 years ago. As a result, the sites where their fossils have been discovered are scattered across Japan. In the heart of Tokyo, at Hamacho, a complete Naumann elephant specimen was also unearthed. The discovery took place in February 1976 during excavation work for the Toei Shinjuku Line. This fossil, known as the “Hamacho specimen,” is believed to be about 150,000 years old, and the strata from which it was found suggest that a herd of Naumann elephants roamed the Tokyo area at that time. Initially displayed at the Tokyo Takao Natural Science Museum in Hachioji City, the specimen was moved to another facility in Hachioji after the museum’s closure.
Our activity is not about bringing this valuable scientific specimen back to Hamacho, but rather about raising awareness of the fact that such a precious fossil was discovered right here in Hamacho, and sharing that with the residents of this area and others.

For those of us who have lived in this town for a long time, we are familiar with the subway construction and have heard about the discovery of fossils. However, as many more apartment buildings and office buildings continue to rise in this area, the number of people living and working here is also increasing. In order to share the valuable historical heritage of the “Hamacho Specimen” with as many people as possible, especially those with ties to Hamacho, we launched a project under the Japan Bridge Hamacho Area Management.
The project includes organizing study sessions, installing informational panels to mark the site where the “Hamacho Specimen” was discovered, and creating a monument in front of the building where the fossils were initially stored. Furthermore, we are planning to host the “Naumann Elephant Summit” in January 2025, gathering experts and enthusiasts from across Japan to celebrate and discuss the Naumann elephant.

The reason we are involved with the Naumann elephant is because we see the “Hamacho Specimen” as a catalyst to further enrich the Hamacho shopping street. The Hamacho shopping area is not a typical bustling shopping district lined with stores on both sides of the street. Instead, it is a wide area along Kiyosubashi and Shin-Ohashi streets, where unique and stylish shops are scattered throughout. The area from Meijiza Theater, passing through Hamacho Green Belt, and heading toward Hamacho Park is aptly called a “green belt,” featuring a relaxing space with various trees planted, offering a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
Starting from this area, you can enjoy strolling around, stopping by cafes, and savoring dishes prepared by renowned chefs, making it one of the best ways to enjoy the shopping street. The area is also home to the sumo stable Arashio Beya, where many foreign tourists gather in the early morning to watch sumo practice through the windows.

Located in a corner of the Hamacho shopping street is my workplace, Keishindo Inasaki. We are a traditional Japanese mounting shop that has been in operation for five generations in Nihonbashi since the Edo period, and we hold the prestigious title of “Daikyo-shi” (Master Mounting Craftsman). We handle a wide range of mounting works, including scrolls, picture frames, folding screens, and sliding doors. Over the generations, we have incorporated original creations alongside inherited techniques, striving to produce unique pieces.
One of our major focuses in recent years has become the restoration of antique art. This involves repairing paintings and artworks that have aged and developed stains, with the aim of preserving them for future generations. The restoration skills possessed by a mounting craftsman are essential for preserving and passing down many ancient works of art to the present day. At our shop, we continue to apply the techniques passed down since the Edo period, ensuring that valuable works are carefully preserved and restored for future generations. If you are interested, please feel free to visit and observe our process. We look forward to welcoming you.