Baleen Plate of North Pacific Right Whale Information on this North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica) Date of Discovery: July 28, 2018 Location of Discovery: Ochiishi Sanrihama, Nemuro City, Hokkaido Length: 17m Sex: Female North Pacific right whales have baleen plates exceeding two meters in length. These long baleen plates have been utilized to make a variety of tools and crafts. High demand for oil and baleen plates led to the overhunting of the North Pacific right whale, and the species has become endangered. The North Pacific right whale that washed ashore at Ochiishi Sanrihama, Nemuro City, Hokkaido, on July 28, 2018, was immediately buried to prevent attracting brown bears seeking the whale’s meat. Most of the baleen plates were handed over to Stranding Network Hokkaido. After the measurement procedure, the baleen plates were distributed to several research and educational institutions, as well as theNational BunrakuTheatre. Along Japan’s archipelago, whales have occasionally been stranded since ancient times, often referred to as “Yorikujira (literally “visiting whale”),” and the meat, oil, and bones have been utilized. Today, stranded whales are still with us, not only as specimens for academic research but also in museum collections and as materials for preserving traditions in performing arts. Photo: The baleen plate provided by Stranding Network Hokkaido is approximately 210 centimeters long, with the widest part measuring about 25 centimeters. The hair is fine, delicate, and long. Overall color is black. The thick, wide part of the baleen plate is dense and hard; when carved with a knife, it develops a lustrous sheen like ebony. Professor Matsuishi of the Stranding Network Hokkaido provided an unforgettable comment on my idea to use baleen plates for my artworks and exhibitions, saying, “I think the whales would be pleased.”