No elephant should be forced to live its life alone in a concrete prison.
Elephants in Japan began with the story of Hanako.
In 2015, founder Ulara Nakagawa wrote a blog post about Hanako, an Asian elephant who had spent more than 60 years living alone in a barren concrete enclosure at Tokyo’s Inokashira Park Zoo. As more people learned about Hanako’s tragic story, it quickly resonated with people around the world.
A petition calling for change gathered nearly half a million signatures, while international media outlets—including CNN, The Washington Post, and The New York Times—helped bring Hanako’s story to the world’s attention. Together with internationally respected elephant welfare expert Carol Buckley, Ulara visited Hanako and met with zoo management to discuss recommendations for improving her welfare.
Although the zoo publicly committed to making improvements, Hanako passed away in May 2016 before most of those changes could be implemented.
Read the full story of Hanako, Japan’s loneliest elephant
Hanako’s story brought an important issue to light: she was not alone. Across Japan, many other elephants were living in prolonged captive isolation under similarly deprived conditions. What began as a campaign for one elephant became a long-term commitment to improving the lives of captive elephants throughout Japan.
Today, Elephants in Japan (EIJ) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the welfare of elephants held in captivity in Japan, particularly those kept in prolonged isolation. Registered as a U.S. 501(c)(3) public charity, we conduct independent investigations, collaborate with internationally recognized elephant welfare experts, raise public awareness, and advocate for evidence-based improvements that support lasting change.
Leadership
Ulara Nakagawa
Founder
Ulara is the founder of Elephants in Japan. A Japanese-Canadian strategic communications leader, she has spent more than a decade leading efforts to improve the lives of captive elephants in Japan by combining independent research with public advocacy and international awareness campaigns.
Prior to founding Elephants in Japan, Ulara spent years working in animal welfare through communications, journalism, advocacy, and hands-on rescue efforts. Following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, she played a leading role in animal rescue efforts while helping drive fundraising and international awareness for animals affected by the disaster. She has long used journalism and storytelling to shine a light on animal and wildlife issues. Her writing about the solitary elephant Hanako sparked international attention and ultimately led to the creation of Elephants in Japan.
Today, Ulara leads the organization’s strategic direction and serves as its principal spokesperson. She works alongside internationally recognized elephant specialists, veterinarians, researchers, and partner organizations to promote meaningful, evidence-based improvements in elephant welfare.
Under her leadership, Elephants in Japan has helped transform captive elephant welfare in Japan from a little-known issue into one receiving sustained national and international attention, laying the foundation for future welfare improvements.
Outside of her work, Ulara enjoys returning to Japan, opening her home to animals in need, and discovering a good glass of Pinot Noir.
Nadia Marzorati
Campaign Operations Manager
Nadia is a bilingual Executive Assistant with extensive experience in administration, organization, and coordination across industries ranging from manufacturing and international export to consumer products, IT, and energy. She brings the organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects that have shaped her professional career to her work for Elephants in Japan.
Deeply moved by Ulara’s writing about the solitary elephant Hanako, Nadia reached out to offer her help. Their work together on the Help Hanako campaign ultimately led to the creation of Elephants in Japan. As a founding team member, Nadia continues to play a key role in the organization.
Today, Nadia manages the organization’s campaign operations, working largely behind the scenes across its day-to-day advocacy. Her role spans research, fundraising, administration, social media, and project coordination, helping turn research and welfare concerns into clear, accessible information for supporters.
Nadia is also the host and co-editor of the Global Sanctuary for Elephants podcast, Global Rumblings, where she facilitates conversations about elephant welfare, sanctuary life, and the ethics of captivity.
Based in Germany, Nadia enjoys long walks in nature, practicing karate, and spending time with her rescue cat, Sly.
Advisors
Zoocheck (Advisor and Partner)
Founded in 1984, Zoocheck is an international wildlife protection organization dedicated to improving the welfare of wild animals through research, education, advocacy, and collaborative solutions.
Global Sanctuary for Elephants
Global Sanctuary for Elephants is an international organization with decades of experience in captive elephant care, management, and welfare. Their sanctuary-based expertise helps inform long-term welfare solutions and best practices for elephants worldwide.
Dr. Keith Lindsay
Dr. Keith Lindsay is a biologist best known for his long-term study of elephants, which began in 1977 in Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. He has since advised on elephant conservation across Africa, Asia and North America, worked with CITES to help stop the ivory trade, and promotes better welfare for captive elephants.
Special Thanks
Elephants in Japan would like to acknowledge the individuals and organizations who have supported and contributed to our work over the years. Their time, expertise, and commitment have played an important role in the development and continuity of Elephants in Japan.
Blanc & Otus
Chloe Brobst
Caroline Carmona
Rita Claessens
Cory Crowther
Georgina Groves
Katrin Halboth
Tom Lindsay
Moeka Matsumoto
Mineto Meguro
Hiroko Nakagawa
Yumiko
Voice for Zoo Animals Japan
Shashank Vura
Keiko Yamazaki
Sakiko Yamazaki