We will be holding an event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the passing of the Asian elephant "Hanako," Asian Elephant "Thank You for 10 Years Asian Elephant 'Hanako'."
event
April 9, 2026
Hanako, Asian Elephant who lived at Inokashira Park Zoo, passed away on May 26, 2016, at the age of 69. We will be holding an event to commemorate Hanako, who is still loved by many people.
Elephant enclosure tour with a former animal keeper
Sunday, May 24, 2026
First session: 10:30 AM
Second session: 1:30 PM onwards (50 minutes each, held even in case of rain)
*The end time may vary.
Zoo (Main Park) Elephant Enclosure
Elementary school age and older
*Elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian.
30 people each time
*Advance registration required. If there are many applicants, a lottery will be held.
Free (admission is also free)
Join us on a tour of the elephant enclosure with Koji Yamakawa, who was formerly in charge of caring for Hanako. We will visit the indoor facilities and outdoor enclosures where Hanako spent her time, and hear stories about her life.
Please apply using the registration form as follows.
When applying, please configure your spam filter and email software to allow emails from @tokyo-zoo.net and @kintoneapp.com. This is especially important for those applying from a mobile phone. If you do not receive an automatic reply email after applying, please contact Inokashira Park Zoo Education and Outreach Section.
Inokashira Park Zoo Education and Outreach Section
0422-46-1100 (Main number) *Reception hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Valid for submissions sent until May 10, 2026 (Sunday).
guided tour Exploring the Elephant's Home
Saturday, May 23, 2026
14:00 onwards (approximately 40 minutes) [Held even in case of rain]
Meet in front of the elephant enclosure at the main zoo.
Join a staff member on a tour of the elephant enclosure and learn about the systems that supported Hanako's life.
25 people
*First-come, first-served basis
Panel introducing the production process of the bronze statue "Hanako"
From Tuesday, May 19, 2026 to Sunday, June 7, 2026
Zoo (Main Park) Sculpture Museum Building B
The original prototype of the bronze statue of "Hanako" located at the north exit of Kichijoji Station is on permanent display in Sculpture Museum B. This panel introduces the process by which artist Aki Fueda, the creator of the original prototype, created it.
Installation of a flower offering stand
May 19th (Tuesday) - June 7th (Sunday), 2026
Zoo (Main Park) Elephant Enclosure
A memorial altar will be set up, and a photo panel of Hanako from when she was alive will be displayed.
About Hanako
It was born around the spring of 1947 at the Khunjara Farm, which has close ties to the Thai royal family.
In 1949, during the post-war reconstruction period, she came to Japan as a messenger of peace at the request of Japanese children. She arrived at Ueno Zoo on September 4th of the same year, was named "Hanako," and subsequently traveled around Tokyo as part of a traveling zoo.
She arrived at Inokashira Park Zoo from Ueno Ueno Zoo in 1954, and in 2013, at the age of 66, she broke the record for the oldest Asian Elephant in Japan at the time.