Invaders

When I say there is something for everyone in Tokyo, I'm not joking.  It might take a bit of research to find what you are looking for, but it is always here.  There are places to go that will fill you with joy, awe, and, even, terror.  I try to avoid the places that leave me with terror, but sometimes the grotesque lures me.  My curious nature can get me into trouble if I'm not careful!

My husband swears he told me about this place months ago.  I don't remember him saying anything.  But, he insists he told me about it and I responded with "Ewww.  No!"  So, he didn't bring it up again.  Recently a girlfriend told me she went and it fascinated her.  I was immediately was intrigued and insistent that we go sometime soon.  My husband rolled his eyes and put it on our to-do list.

Inside a medical laboratory, in the heart of Meguro, is a small museum dedicated to sharing the work of Satoru Kamegai and other scientists studying parasites and parasitological diseases. 

The Meguro Parasitological Museum consists of two floors filled with specimens, diagrams, maps, research documents, and photographs showing what, where, and how parasites infect the world around them.  In addition to more than 300 preserved parasites, there are many wax models of various parasites, eggs of parasites, and carriers (including a humongous mosquito).

I've always been the kind of person that discusses grotesque medical stuff with my friends.  I love a good, cringe-worthy story about... well, gross stuff.  So, seeing a 28 foot tapeworm that was removed from a 40 year old man both made me gag and had me staring at it in amazement at the same time.  (It only took 3 months to get that long!!!)

This museum was amazing.  There was lots of English for me to read , describing what was on display.  There were also QR codes to scan on my phone, which linked me to fascinating websites that explained things further. 

A couple touchscreen computers helped me to learn about certain parasites, as well as see maps of reported infections based on certain years.  Some of the parasites reported have been eradicated in Japan, which was really interesting.

If you like potentially stomach-churning stuff - this is the museum for you.  It is free to the public, but donations are greatly appreciated.  I loved it all, even the stuff that freaked me out.  It's so good to know that scientists are not only researching how to get rid of parasites, but also how to use parasites to benefit the world.