・Birth of idol “MOPIKA”
The mascot character for the museum was publicly solicited, and out of 54 submissions from all over Japan, the work of Hiroshi Kanazu from Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, was chosen. He personified the image of a curious “firefly” flying around with a magnifying glass in his hand, so that everyone would feel an affinity with the mascot character.
When a public contest was held for the name of the cute mascot character, 263 entries were received. From which, the name “MOPIKA” by Ms. Komai Kiri in Osaka Prefecture was selected. The name “MOPIKA” was created by combining “MO” for Moriyama and “PIKA” for the meaning of sparkles of fireflies.
And finally, in 2007 (Heisei 19), “MOPIKA” was born.
“MOPIKA” is always active as a cheerful and energetic mascot characte of the Museum who knows anything and everything 
