After earthquakes and tsunamis in 2011 damaged museums in eastern Japan, over 23,000 natural history specimens were transferred to over 40 remote museums for restoration. Remote museums provided stable, safe environments for restoration work and engaged local volunteers. Specimens were stabilized, cleaned, dried, and repaired by experts sent to on-site museums or remote facilities. The network of natural history museums across Japan coordinated the large-scale salvage and restoration efforts. However, natural history collections lack formal legal protections in Japan, unlike cultural properties. Future legislation and cooperation between museum networks could improve disaster response.