Research Adventures in Japan Chapter 2: And Now...We Wait

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 Konichiwa and thanks for joining me for my 2nd update! 

Project Update

    We are currently awaiting some approvals of protocol and had to meet with keepers to talk logistics. Although not always exciting, science moves slowly, carefully, and ever onward. I did successfully build our testing apparatus for the smaller species (pictured below)! We will probably have another one or two bigger models so bigger species, likes chimps, can receive a bigger food reward and don't completely destroy it! We are going to be testing one portion of primate cognition -- whether they can tell the difference between different quantities of food or not. So to test this we needed a platform they can make clear choices from.



Nothing fancy but proof from last time that I was able to construct our choice apparatus.

    After some more consultations with keepers, we're hoping to start testing mid to late next week. The first three species we'll be starting with are ring-tailed lemurs, common marmosets, and Bolivian squirrel monkeys. 

    Most people think lemurs are related to things like squirrels or racoons, but they're primates, belonging to the subgroup prosimian (pro means "before" and simian means "apes & monkeys," so prosimians came before apes & monkeys). All lemurs are found only in Madagascar but there are prosimians elsewhere, namely lorises in Asia. Ring-tailed lemurs are the only primate species that I've learned the Japanese name for so far and it's "wao." Since they're my favorite, I think it's a fitting name!

Ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) -- photo credit JMC.

    Both common marmosets and Bolivian squirrel monkeys are New World Monkeys (NWM). As the name suggests, NWM are from South and Central America while Old World Monkeys (OWM) are from Asia and Africa. Common marmosets are part of the family, Callitrichidae which includes other marmosets and tamarins. This family of primates has the smallest individuals. Unique to this group, females often give birth to twins and males do an equal share of infant care! Squirrel monkeys are part of the Cebidae family which also includes capuchins. Squirrel monkeys use urine to thermoregulate, mark their territory, and clean themselves, so despite being popular in the exotic pet trade, they make terrible pets! 


Bolivian Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri boliviensis) -- photo credit JMC

Inuyama Castle

    Inuyama Castle is classified as a national treasure. It was built in the 16th century and is now the oldest of the 12 remaining keeps (tenshus) still in tact. Oda Nobunaga's uncle built this castle. Japanese history review: Oda Nobunaga is often called the "Great Unifier" and brought much of Japan under one ruler in the 16th century. The castle saw multiple battles and was easily defensible because the Kiso River blocks approach from the north and the streets leading up to it were (still are!) very narrow, making it hard for enemies to approach in large numbers.
Left: View of the Kiso River from the top of Inuyama Castle. Center: A view of the keep from the base. Right: 16th century stable.



I just had to post more! Left: view of the courtyard from the top of Inuyama Castle. Right: Another view from the top -- the Ferris wheel in the center of this picture is Monkey Park (next to the JMC).


Tokoname -- Pottery Town
    Tokoname is known for its history of pottery and ceramics making. They have a more historical area that houses their famous climbing kiln, shops, restaurants, and many of the streets are paved with pottery. Just a couple of blocks away, is a large maneki neko (beckoning cat) overlooking many smaller ceramic cats lining the street.

Left: Main pottery footpath outside a visitor's center. Bottom Center: Manekineko street. Top Center & Right: Some of my favorites ceramic cats of Manekineko St. Bottom Right: More of the pottery footpath.

Food
    Don't know that there's much to say about food, except, "Ooishi" (delicious!)! Since I can't share a bite with you, here's pictures of some of my favorite so far!
Top left: Curry katsu from the grocery store cafeteria -- I've already had a couple of times! Bottom left: Matcha ice cream. Bottom center: Dorayaki with a chocolate cream filling -- it even had a Pokemon sticker inside! Right: Ramen from a shop in Tokoname.

Next week: Continued project planning and (hopefully!) our first trials. Plus a trip to Nagoya. Until then, Sayonara!


Research is funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.





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