Could two statues guarding a shopping street hold the key to a city’s heart? Here in front of Higashi-Chofu Station, Akichangan and Tamachangan stand as symbols of Chofu’s deep connection to its past. Akichangan, the larger of the two, stands over a meter tall. Tamachangan, made of black granite, is about half the size. They watch over Kujira Road, a bustling shopping street.
These statues aren’t just decorations. They represent Akishimakujiragaku, a prehistoric creature whose fossilized remains were discovered near here in 1961. Imagine, over 200,000 years ago, this massive creature roamed a Chofu that was submerged under the sea. The discovery of Akishimakujiragaku’s near-complete skeleton under the Tamagawa Railway Bridge was a sensation. Crowds of excited locals flocked to the riverbank to witness the unearthing of these ancient bones.
The skeleton was initially restored. Then it was sent to the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo for further study. After five years of meticulous research, it was determined that Akishimakujiragaku was a new species of whale, a Kogia. It lived approximately 177,000 to 195,000 years ago, and measured a staggering 13.5 meters long.
This discovery wasn’t an isolated incident. The area around Chofu and Hino has yielded numerous fossils. These fossils paint a picture of a prehistoric landscape vastly different from what we see today. Millions of years ago, this area was a shallow sea teeming with ancient life. Land shifts and changing sea levels buried these creatures, preserving their remains for millennia. Akishimakujiragaku’s shoulder blade, for example, had fossilized barnacles attached to it. Other fossils of sea creatures like Akebonozo and sharks were found in the same location.
The discovery of Akishimakujiragaku ignited a passion for paleontology in Chofu. The city established the Akishima Ensis, a museum and educational center dedicated to Akishimakujiragaku and its prehistoric world. Inside, you can see a full-size replica of the skeleton, as well as actual fossils. The “Kujira no Machi Chofu” sign on the nearby shops reflects this local pride. The annual Chofu Citizen Kujira Festival further solidifies the creature’s role as a symbol of the city.
Akichangan and Tamachangan aren’t just statues. They are a testament to Chofu’s unique history, a reminder of a time when whales swam where we now stand. They embody the city’s deep connection to its past, a past that continues to inspire awe and wonder.