For the first time, scientists have officially named a flying reptile, or pterosaur, from Japan based on fossilized bones.
This exciting discovery gives us a new glimpse into the prehistoric skies over Japan during the Late Cretaceous period, around 90 million years ago.
The newly named species is called Nipponopterus mifunensis.
Its name means “Japanese wing from Mifune,” reflecting the location where the fossil was found—Mifune Group in Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu.
Although the fossil was originally discovered in the 1990s, it was only recently re-examined using modern CT scanning technology at Kumamoto University. After careful study, researchers realized it belonged to a completely new species.
The fossil consists of part of a neck bone, specifically the sixth cervical vertebra. While it may not sound like much, this single bone revealed unique features never seen before in other known pterosaurs.
These include a prominent ridge running along the top, a long groove underneath, and side projections in unusual positions.
Together, these details helped scientists identify it as a new member of the Azhdarchidae family—known for giant flying reptiles with long necks and large wingspans.
The research, published in the journal Cretaceous Research, shows that Nipponopterus mifunensis likely had a wingspan between 3 to 3.5 meters.
It lived during the Turonian–Coniacian stages of the Late Cretaceous and is thought to be one of the earliest known members of a group called Quetzalcoatlinae. This group includes some of the most famous and mysterious flying reptiles, such as Quetzalcoatlus from North America and an unnamed species from Mongolia.
This marks a major milestone for Japanese paleontology. Until now, no pterosaur had been named based on body fossils found in Japan—only isolated teeth or bone fragments had been discovered. According to Dr. Naoki Ikegami from the Mifune Dinosaur Museum, the discovery opens the door to learning more about how these incredible animals evolved and lived in ancient East Asia.
The fossil is now proudly displayed at the Mifune Dinosaur Museum, where visitors can come face to face with a piece of Japan’s ancient past. The project was a team effort between scientists from Japan, China, and Brazil, showing how international collaboration can uncover remarkable discoveries.
“This discovery shows what we can achieve when we work together,” said Professor Toshifumi Mukunoki from Kumamoto University. “It’s a beautiful example of science bringing people and knowledge across borders.”
Source: Kumamoto University.
