ミミズク先生Welcome to the English edition of this blog.
The people—and owls—who appear here are character names used to share stories from museum work, insect research, specimen curation, and the quiet joys of observing the natural world. Their conversations are rooted in everyday experiences, with personal details simplified or gently fictionalised.
Curator Barn Owl（This blog’s author）
メンフクロウ職員Piacere ! I’m Curator Barn.
Curator Barn Owl is the author’s on-site museum persona. This character appears mainly in articles about taxonomy, specimen curation, museum work, and the everyday realities of collection care. Curator Barn is not presented as an all-knowing expert. Sorting records, preparing specimens, and keeping collections in good order can be demanding work—and there is always something new to learn. Carefully spoken British English comes naturally to Curator Barn, though the occasional Italian expression may slip out when something unexpected happens.
Prof. Horned Owl
ミミズク先生Well now. I’m Prof. Horned
Prof. Horned Owl is a retired researcher who continues his work as a collaborating researcher at the museum. He has deep and dependable knowledge of Japanese beetles, the foundations of entomology, and the practical side of managing research organisations. A patient and generous mentor, he has guided Curator Barn through more difficulties than can be counted. Prof. Horned speaks in a gentle, deliberate tone. He has a fondness for quiet observation and for reminding everyone that even the smallest creature deserves proper attention.
Dr Tanuyama the Raccoon Dog
タヌ山先生Hi. I’m Dr Tanuyama.
Dr Tanuyama is an active entomologist, taxonomist, and insect researcher with a doctorate in agriculture. He loves good food, enjoyable adventures, and the thrill of discovery. He travels widely in pursuit of insects—from remote forests to deserts—and brings a practical, field-based perspective to the museum team. He may look like a raccoon dog (*tanuki*), but he is a highly respected specialist in his field. His English has an American rhythm: direct, friendly, and always ready to move from discussion to the next observation.
メンフクロウ職員Dr Tanuyama tends to move from one discovery to the next rather quickly — keeping the equipment list in order behind him is quietly one of my more important jobs…！
Registrar Snowy Owl
シロフクロウ職員Bonjour. I’m Registrar Snowy.
Registrar Snowy Owl is Curator Barn’s trusted colleague and a specialist in data entry and record-keeping. They work together most days. Although a Snowy Owl, Snowy has strikingly dark feathers everywhere except the face—one of their most charming features. Calm, meticulous, and sharply observant, Registrar Snowy is always ready to offer Dr Tanuyama a polite but precise correction when a detail needs checking. Always kind to Curator Barn, Snowy’s measured English is occasionally accompanied by a satisfied *voilà!* when a difficult taxonomic puzzle clicks into place.
メンフクロウ職員And that is the team behind the Forest Museum’s Biology Research Laboratory. Our particular speciality is insect taxonomy, but this museum remains curious about every corner of the living world.
