Emperor Shōwa was a scholar of biology, and was one of the many who praised Kumagusu’s accomplishments.

On June 1, 1929, at the request of the Emperor who was interested in slime molds, Kumagusu escorted his Majesty on the island of Kashima, and gave a lecture on the biology of Tanabe Bay on the Emperor’s ship.

For Kumagusu, this was the proudest day of his life. The following year, Kumagusu composed a Waka poem to be inscribed on a monument commemorating the imperial visit. The poem suggest that the forest on Kashima forever be protected.

Later, during a 1962 imperial visit to Wakayama, Emperor Shōwa composed a Waka poem on the memory of Kumagusu. A monument inscribed with this Waka was erected, which now stands in front of the Minakata Kumagusu Museum.

<strong>Presentation of Slime Molds and Caramel Boxes</strong><br> Kumagusu presented 110 slime mold specimens to Emperor Shōwa.<br> The specimens were labeled with scientific names, date of collection, location found, and the collector’s name on thick paper and packed in a separate small box.<br> At the presentation, the specimens shown to Emperor Showa were said to have been carried in caramel boxes.
Presentation of Slime Molds and Caramel Boxes

<strong>A Frock coat</strong><br> The frock coat that Kumagusu wore when he gave a lecture to Emperor Shōwa in June 1929.<br> While Kumagusu usually wore an informal yukata, on the occasion of this lecture he dressed up wearing this formal clothing.
A Frock coat