Researchers have solved the centuries-old mystery of Japan’s mummified ‘rainbow dragon,’ revealing that the skeletal remains are actually those of a female Japanese marten. The discovery, made by Yoshinori Ashikaga, a 15th-century shogun, during his visit to the Todai-ji temple in Nara in 1429, has puzzled historians and cultural enthusiasts for generations.
The mummified remains, now protected in the Shosoin Treasure House, were once believed to be a mythical creature of great spiritual significance. According to ancient legends, the skeleton was discovered under mysterious circumstances, with the shogun reportedly cutting a piece of rare agarwood from the remains. A monk at the Todai-ji temple later claimed to have seen something resembling a small dragon, dried by the sun, further reinforcing the dragon myth.
However, modern scientific analysis has debunked this legend, identifying the remains as a Japanese marten. This fluffy, weasel-like animal, native to central and southern Japan, is known for its slender body and distinctive markings. The study noted the presence of two clearly visible premolars, a key feature of the Martes genus, and used x-ray technology and radiocarbon dating to confirm the marten’s age of the 11th or 12th century.
The Todai-ji temple underwent extensive renovations during this period, possibly leading to the marten’s entrapment and subsequent mummification. The skeleton’s missing forelegs, likely the result of its death and desiccation, only added to its dragon-like appearance, contributing to the enduring myth. The Shosoin Treasure House has now reaffirmed that the skeleton corresponds to the sun-dried dragon-like object described in historical records from the Muromachi Period.
Experts like Mami Tsuru from the Shosoin Treasure House believe that the identification of the marten has not only resolved a long-standing mystery but also highlighted the temple’s role in preserving both cultural and natural heritage. As research continues, this discovery may provide new insights into the interplay between myth and reality in Japanese history.