Popular artist Asami Kiyokawa brings fairy tales to life at new exhibition in Sumida Aquarium
22.September.2017 | SPOT
An event titled “Fairy tale in Aquarium ~Mizu to Gensou no Sekai~” produced by artist Asami Kiyokawa will be held at Sumida Aquarium from September 29th to November 19th. Kiyokawa is an embrodiery artist known for using a needle and thread to create designs over photographs. She has released many popular works, including her picture book “Night on the Galactic Road.” Her event is set to turn Sumida Aquarium into a gorgeous world reminiscent of illustrations in a book.
The event will plunge both children and adults alike into a beautiful world of displays themed around poet and author Kenji Miyazawa’s fairy tales, whose rich stories stimulate children’s imaginations. Autumn is an important season in Japanese literature, making this the perfect event to attend as we exit summer.
▶Comment from Asami Kiyokawa
“The interior space will be beautiful and there will be cute living creatures with personalities. You’ll discover something new every time in whichever water tank you look at. I wanted to try expressing as well as see the magical space of nature together with the creative descriptions that Kenji Miyazawa wrote with his words.”
Inside the “Jellyfish Kaleidoscope Tunnel,” the walls slope down the tunnel 50m and the ceiling has around 5,000 mirrors attached to it. There will be projections of jellyfish and the galactic road to simulate the Milky Way as you walk and get sucked into a fantastical world of bright, sparkling lights. The entrance will also be home to an original display of Asami Kiyokawa’s recreation of Kenji Miyazawa’s world in “Yamanashi” that stands almost 7m high.
The tunnel will enable you to experience walking a “Night on the Galactic Road.” Asami Kiyokawa creates the spectacular sights described by Kenji Miyazawa in his stories: a river bed of crystals and topaz, the wind with an apple and rose scent, bright and burning corn on the horizon, and more.
There will also be an original menu at the Penguin Cafe where you can get a “Fairy tale Soda” designed around a jellyfish floating through the bright Milky Way, the “Milky Way Sweets Plate,” and more.
Fall down the rabbit hole of Japan’s beautiful fairy tales and enjoy a fantastic visual story right before your very eyes.
■Information
Sumida Aquarium
Address: Tokyo Skytree Solomachi 5F & 6F, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida, Tokyo
Open: 9:00-21:00
※Entry reception is open until 1 hour before the building’s closing time
※Subject to seasonal changes
Open all year round. *may close temporarily for maintenance and events.
Official Homepage: http://www.sumida-aquarium.com
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UWS AQUARIUM GA☆KYO, Inspired by Japanese Traditions and Legends, Open in Odaiba
UWS AQUARIUM GA☆KYO, an aquarium inspired by Japanese traditions and legends, opened at Aqua City Odaiba on July 13, 2022. The curious aquarium and art facility is split into five spaces, each based on a particular Japanese legend or tradition.
Area 1 – WABISABI
Area 2 – OIRAN
Area 3 – MANGEKYO
Area 4 – YURAKU
Area 5 – RYUGU
Virtual Goldfish Scooping
This mixture of aquarium and entertainment venue was produced by GA☆KYO. Each of the five spaces invites guests to understand and appreciate a particular part of Japanese traditional culture, as well as to experience the beauty of living things. Come enjoy this unique installation the next time you’re in Tokyo!
Information
UWS AQUARIUM GA☆KYO
Venue: Aqua City Odaiba 3F (1-7-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Official Site: https://uws-gakyo.com -
Aquarium Inspired by Japanese Traditions to Open at Aqua City Odaiba
On July 13, UWS AQUARIUM GA☆KYO, an aquarium inspired by Japanese traditions and legends, will open at Aqua City Odaiba. Separated into five unique sections, this curious aquarium is located in a shopping complex popular with locals and tourists alike.
UWS AQUARIUM GA☆KYO will depict five aspects of traditional Japanese life and history: Wabi-sabi, Oiran, Mangekyo (Kaleidoscope), Yuraku, and Ryuugu. These will be explained below if you aren’t familiar.
Area
WABISABI
Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic in Japanese art centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. In the aquarium, this is shown by using delicate driftwood, bonsai, and crystal. Characteristics of wabi-sabi include asymmetry, simplicity, and roughness.
OIRAN
An Oiran was a high-ranking courtesan in Japanese history. In this work, goldfish are surrounded by beautiful and enchanting features inspired by these gorgeous women.
MANGEKYO
Mangekyo is the Japanese word for kaleidoscope. This collaborative work invites viewers into a unique space filled with paintings by Tsuyoshi Nigamushi along with disco balls. You’ll want to snap some trippy pictures!
YURAKU
This special exhibition invites guests to experience virtual goldfish scooping and fortune-telling. Made using modern technology in a space inspired by Japan’s four seasons, yuraku means pleasure in Japanese.
RYUGU
Ryuugu refers to the Palace of the Dragon King found in the ancient tale of Urashima Taro.
This spatial work will utilize the sea around Odaiba and transport visitors to another place and time.
Come enjoy these five unique spaces with your five senses and become more acquainted with traditional Japanese beauty.Information
UWS AQUARIUM GA☆KYO
Grand Opening on July 13, 2022
Hours: 11:00-21:00
Venue: Aqua City Odaiba 3F (1-7-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Official Site: https://uws-gakyo.com -
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Collaborates with Kochi Prefecture’s Katsurahama Aquarium for LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu concluded her tour stop in Kochi on May 29, and as expected, the singer has announced another collaboration with a local business as part of the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project! Launched to energize Japan through the appeal of regional towns and cities, the project has received both domestic and global attention.
In Kochi Prefecture, Kyary is collaborating with the Katsurahama Aquarium! Located on the water at Kochi’s famous Katsurahama Beach park, the location is filled with Kochi flare and remains a valuable and beloved place to local residents. The building has long been popular as a museum and has been both a tourist attraction and a local hangout for decades. Known affectionately by locals as ‘Hamasui,’ the 99-year-old structure has often been a hot topic for its unique advertising strategy, with Hamasui Twitter posts going viral and making their way to late-night TV programs.
For the collaboration, the aquarium’s cute creepy-crawly mascot Otodo-chan has been transformed as an homage to Kyary’s music video for PONPONPON released in 2011.
A collaborative T-shirt is also on sale featuring the new logo and the singer’s 10th-anniversary logo. The shirt is available on the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project website for two weeks only starting May 27!
Information
Katsurahama Aquarium (Kochi) x LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project
Collaboration T-shirt
Price: ¥3,300 (Tax Included)
Where to Buy: Katsurahama Aquarium
Details: https://katurahama-aq.jp/
LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project Online Shop
Available: May 27 – June 9 at 23:59
https://store-localpowerjapan.com/
*Please allow two weeks to one month from order completion to product shipment.
*A portion of T-shirt sales will be donated to local projects and social programs.
*Please check the online shop for details. -
Sumida Aquarium to Introduce New Baby Penguins in Late June
23.May.2022 | SPOT
Tokyo’s Sumida Aquarium welcomed three new baby Magellanic penguins on April 14! This marks the 10th year in a row that the location has seen new baby penguins born.
Magellanic penguins start their breeding season in March each year, finishing in May. The first baby born this year, Daifuku, hatched on April 14, becoming Sumida Aquarium’s first second-generation penguin. Komari hatched on April 20 and Shiratama hatched on April 30.
The penguins were given names signifying good luck and joy. Komari and Shiratama both evoke images of ‘circles’ in Japanese, with the aquarium hoping that the penguins will sever as a link to guests.
All three babies will make their public debut towards the end of June in the designated penguin pool. The Sumida Aquarium Twitter feed will provide updates about how the babies are progressing, so be sure to keep an eye out!
Information
Sumida Aquarium
10th Anniversary Celebrations: May 22 – December 31, 2022
Special Site: https://www.sumida-aquarium.com/10th/ -
NAKED FLOWER AQUARIUM -Bring You Happiness- Event Opens at Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
Tokyo’s Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa has opened its seasonal event NAKED FLOWER AQUARIUM -Bring You Happiness- until June 19, 2022.
The aquarium has been continuously developing entertaining exhibits and events based on the beauty of each season. The creative company NAKED uses projection mapping to transform the space with cherry blossoms in spring and fireworks in summer, allowing guests to enjoy a special atmosphere indoors.
Welcome Flower Gate
Marine Forest
Blooming Street
Jellyfish Ramble
Floral Café Bar
For spring, the Aqua Park has been decorated with gorgeous flowers and lush greenery. The new event uses state-of-the-art technology to surround visitors with a spectacular view of early summer. Each area of the aquarium was inspired by the subtheme of ‘bringing happiness,’ with seven different Happiness Experiences for guests to enjoy. These experiences offer things like healing sound effects and scents made to calm the mind and offer additional immersion.
The popular dolphin performance has both a day and night show. The day version offers guest participation, in which the dolphins will show off their choreographed moves. The night version was inspired by the early summer sea and uses projection mapping to bring the underwater world to life in a spectacular way.
Information
NAKED FLOWER AQUARIUM-Bring You Happiness-
Venue: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
Address: Shinagawa Prince Hotel (4-10-30 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Official Site: www.aqua-park.jp -
UNDER WATER SPACE in Yokohama Illuminated in Cherry Blossom Colors for Spring
04.April.2022 | SPOT
UNDER WATER SPACE, a limited-time aquarium space event located at Yokohama World Porters, is lighting up a portion of the event space in gorgeous cherry blossom colors until April 10, 2022 to coincide with the 2022 cherry blossom season!
The pink-lit space and swimming fish give an entirely new feel to the UNDER WATER SPACE event. You won’t want to miss experiencing this magical spring illumination!
Information
Hanami Illumination
Running: April 1 – April 10, 2022
Aquarium Space Travel ‘UNDER WATER SPACE’
Running until January 15, 2023
Hours: 10:30-21:00 (Last entry at 20:00)
Address: Yokohama World Porters 4F (2-2-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama)
Tickets / Official Site: http://uws-yokohama.jp -
The Jellyfish Kaleidoscope Tunnel Transforms for Halloween at ‘HALLOWEEN in Sumida Aquarium’ Event
23.September.2021 | SPOT
Between October 1 and 31 2021, Sumida Aquarium will be hosting the ‘HALLOWEEN in Sumida Aquarium’ event, where you can enjoy an exciting Halloween alongside the Jellyfish.
A workshop will be held at the event, teaching guests all about the floaty, mysterious and ghost-like jellyfish.
The aquarium’s famous 50m ‘Kaleidoscope Tunnel,’ which is formed of 5,000 mirrors, will be transformed into a Halloween wonderland for the ‘Jellyfish and Halloween’ event. Eight aquariums are embedded into the walls, with colorful background panels which feature Halloween motifs such as witches and pumpkins. The jellyfish look just like festive ghosts!
Moon Jellyfish Aquarium in the Kaleidoscope Tunnel
Each aquarium introduces seven mysterious facts about jellyfish – For example, did you know that jellyfish have no heart, and have tons of eyes?
The mysterious tunnel wall is covered in images of cute jellyfish that transform into ghosts and jack-o-lanterns, while Halloween themed music plays in the background.
A jellyfish comparison workshop
A jellyfish comparison workshop will also be held at the aquarium’s Aqua Academy. Young children can participate in the workshop which explains the visual differences between different types of jellyfish, while crafting a cute jellyfish mobile under staff supervision.
Spend this Halloween at the incredible Sumida Aquarium!
Information
HALLOWEEN in Sumida Aquarium
Duration: October 1 ~ October 31 2021
Official site: http://www.sumida-aquarium.com
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Nihonbashi Art Aquarium Museum Closes for Renewal and Relocation
The Nihonbashi ART AQUARIUM will be closed on September 26 2021 to make way for new exhibits and works. The museum is scheduled to be relocated in the first half of 2022.
The ART AQUARIUM Museum opened in Nihonbashi, Tokyo on August 28 202 with the concept of “a museum where life dwells.” This will be the largest renewal in the history of the museum Museum, opened by writer and general producer Hidetomo Kimura, with the addition of more exhibits and new and improved interactive areas.
The Nihonbashi Art AQUARIUM Museum opened alongside the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic, with the expectations that visitors would come from both within Japan and overseas, thanks to the exhibitions which easily explain and represent Japan’s proud traditional culture and performing arts, but due to Covid restrictions, foreign tourists are still unable to enter the country. Despite this, the Museum saw many customers and with the closing of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the museum will be closed in preparation to relocate to the new ART AQUARIUM. If you want to see the Nihonbashi location for yourself then this is your last chance!
In addition, the “ART AQUARIUM” digital tour is being held from September 12, allowing you to appreciate the Museum in a digital format until the reopening.
Make sure to check out the Nihonbashi ART AQUARIUM while you have the chance!
Information
ART AQUARIUM Museum
Address::1-3-9 Nihonbashihonchō, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 10:00~19:00 (L.A 18:30)
Official Site: https://artaquarium.jp
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‘átoa,’ Part Art Museum and Part Aquarium, Opening in Kobe
12.August.2021 | SPOT
Blending living creatures with art, átoa, a new urban aquarium, will open in Kobe’s Shinkocho on October 29, 2021. New images have just been revealed, and we now have an idea of what the interior will look like!
‘átoa’ comes from a combination of the words ‘aquarium’ and ‘art,’ and as the name suggests, the space will blend over 100 pieces of digital and performance art with 3,000 ocean creatures to provide a never-before-seen experience.
The exterior of the Kobe Port Museum looks like a contemporary art gallery
The stairway leads guests to a cave entrance, making the visit feel more like an adventure
‘MARIN NOTE – The Movement of Life’ embodies underwater life
‘ELEMENTS – The Forest of Spirits’ welcomes you to a foggy sea of trees
Light cutout show by famed cutout artist Atsumi Sakai
A mysterious walk through a traditional Japanese garden
‘PLANETS,’ a journey through the darkness of outer space and the deep sea
Food & drink offerings worthy of posting on social media
A spectacular view of the Kobe Bay area
イントátoa original products on sale
Rokko, the land on which Kobe City sits, is said to have been formed over one million years ago by the upheaval of the Earth and consistent water erosion. The Kobe Port Museum (KPM), where átoa is located, has long attracted visitors with its unique exterior, embodying the ancient origins of the surrounding lands.
átoa will be divided into eight different zones, each with its own theme and distinctive presentation. Visitors will first enter the ‘Cave of Beginnings,’ where fish-shaped lights reflected on the walls and floor lead you deeper into the space, as if through a kaleidoscope.After emerging, ‘MARIN NOTE – The Movement of Life,’ a visual embodiment of underwater life, will greet you. The sound and scents of the sea will surround guests, with a cylindrical water tank at the center of the room filled with zebra sharks, spotted garden eels, and many more underwater creatures.
On the second floor, enter ‘ELEMENTS – The Forest of Spirits,’ a foggy sea of trees straight out of a fairy tale. This is where you can find freshwater fish, amphibians, and adorable tree-dwelling animals not typically found in aquariums, like woodchucks! This is another highlight of átoa: you might find more animals you wouldn’t expect!
The third floor houses both ‘MIYABI’ and ‘PLANETS,’ where guests can enjoy a ‘theatrical aquarium experience.’ Discover Atsumi Sakai’s famed cutout art in the ‘MIYABI’ area, meant to simulate a Japanese garden. Enjoy the magical experience of fish swimming just beneath your feet as you stroll along a glass-covered floor.
The ‘PLANETS’ area houses AQUA TERRA, one of Japan’s largest spherical water tanks, with a diameter of 3 meters. Guests are welcome to ponder the vastness of both outer space and the deepest stretches of the sea. The area is bathed in the light of countless stars thanks to optical fibers embedded in the floor, while mist will continuously pour from above.
Housed on the fourth floor, an outdoor exhibit, the ‘SKYSHORE Sky Garden,’ will soothe your soul as you play with only the most adorable marine life, from penguins to otters. This is also where visitors can enjoy the átoa cafe, offering a lineup of Instagram-worthy food and drink.
The observation deck ‘ROOF TOP’ also provides a breathtaking view of Kobe. Whether you visit during day or night, take in the views of Kobe Harborland and Meriken Park to your heart’s content. A full museum shop will be stocked with adorable plushies and other original products.
Information
átoa
Address: 7-2, Shinkocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo
Open Date: October 29, 2021
Hours: 10:00-21:00 (Open Every Day)
Official Site: https://atoa-kobe.jp -
Japan’s Biggest Goldfish Museum Reopens After Refurbishments
06.May.2021 | SPOT
The Kingyo Museum, which stands in Nara as the biggest goldfish aquarium and museum in Japan, reopened on April 27 after undergoing refurbishments.
AQUA oasis, an aquatic display and power spot
JAPANESE AQUARIUM DISCO
JAPONE Lane
Goldfish have been tied to Japanese culture since the beginning of the 16th century during the Muromachi Period when they were imported from China. The city of Yamatokoriyama in Nara Prefecture is the oldest location in Japan that has been raising goldfishes.
Due to COVID-19, many summer festivals and events where goldfish would be present have been cancelled up and down the country. That’s where Kingyo Museum’s renovations come in as a way to bring in tourists and sightseers. The museum has expanded to almost double its previous size to bring in new areas that utilise projection mapping and art, such as the AQUA oasis and the JAPANESE AQUARIUM DISCO which has brought in Japan’s first die-cut fish tanks. Visitors can enjoy 38 of Japan’ most prominent goldfish species, from familiar faces to rarer kinds.
Information
Kingyo Museum
Reopened: April 27, 2021
Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Last Entries 17:30)
Official Website: https://kingyomuseum.com/
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Tokyo’s Art Aquarium Museum in Nihonbashi Announces Christmas Event
29.November.2020 | SPOT
Having only held annual summertime events up to now, Art Aquarium Museum in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, is celebrating Christmas for the first time this year with a series of holiday season festivities.
The Aquarium’s first Christmas tree
Art Aquarium Museum will display its very first Christmas tree for the event indoors near the entrance. The tree artwork was created by Hidemoto Kimura using 550 colourful crystals that have been made to look like goldfish. Made from venetian glass, he had them shipped himself from Italy. They are strung in 10 different colours which glow and glisten to create a romantic atmosphere.
Artwork Name: Natale di Pesce D’oro
Running: December 1, 2020 – December 27, 2020
Location: Art Aquarium Museum entrancePair tickets for Christmas with alcohol
Pair Ticket (2 People) + 2 Drinks | ¥4,600 (Tax Included)Those arriving in twos can buy Pair Tickets which come with two alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages so you can plunge into the magical underwater world of the aquarium while enjoying a drink.
Buy Tickets: https://ticket.artaquarium.jp/en/
Running: November 24, 2020 – December 27, 2020
Validity Period: December 1, 2020 – December 27, 2020
Drinks Menu:[Alcohol] COEDO Beer / Marihana / Louis Raison Rouge Délice
[Non-Alcoholic] Sanpellegrino Pompelmo / Grapefruit
Christmas menu served up in the lounge and cafe
2-Person Hors d’oeuvre With 2 Drinks | Online Booking ¥4,200, Same-Day ¥5,000 (Tax Included) | Serving: December 18, 2020 – December 25, 2020
The aquarium’s lounge restaurant is serving an hors d’oeuvre for pairs of Japanese and western food together with two drinks.
2-Person Christmas Sweets Plate With 2 Drinks | Online Booking ¥3,300, Same-Day ¥3,850 (Tax Included) | Serving: December 1, 2020 – December 27, 2020
The cafe is serving up plate of assorted desserts, perfect for a post-aquarium date.
Christmas Special Cocktail | ¥2,200 (Tax Included) | Serving: December 1, 2020 – December 27, 2020
Both the restaurant and cafe are also serving a seasonal cocktail of chocolate, strawberries, cranberries, and champagne jelly for a sweet and refreshing mix.
Information
Art Aquarium Museum Christmas Event
Address: 1-3 Nihonbashihoncho, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00 (Until 20:00 in December)
No Fixed Holidays
General Admission: Adults (13 and over) ¥2,300 (Tax Included) / After Dark Ticket: Adults (13 and over) ¥2,000 (Tax Included)*Free for 12 and under
Official Website: https://artaquarium.jp/en/ -
Tokyo’s Fate/Grand Order 2021 Event to Take Place at Ikebukuro Sunshine 60
21.November.2020 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
To promote the upcoming anime film adaptation of mobile RPG Fate/Grand Order‘s popular episode “6th Singularity: Camelot,” an event will take place at SKY CIRCUS Sunshine 60 Observation Deck and Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro, Tokyo from December 4, 2020 to January 31, 2021.
New artwork displayed for the event
A collection of new artwork has been drawn specially for the event. Fans will find life-sized cut-outs of Bedivere, Mashu Kyrielite, Lion King, Gawain, and Lancelot at the observation deck and Ozymandias, Nitocris, and Arash at the aquarium. There will also be voiced panels at the observation deck with newly-recorded lines by Mamoru Miyano (Bedivere) and Takehito Koyasu (Ozymandias). Different voice recordings will be rolled out throughout the duration of the event. This info can be found by following the venue on Twitter @skycircus60.
Anime photos and signed exhibits
The observation deck will also feature photos taken from scenes in the anime series as well as exhibits signed by the character voice actors.
Original Merchandise
Stickers
Pins
Both the observation deck and aquarium will sell their own original merchandise, so fans will want to visit both venues.
Keyword Rally
Keyword Rally answer sheet
Both venues will host a keyword rally where fans will have to fill out their answers of the correct words on the sheets in Japanese. Clearing each one will get them an original card with five different designs from the observation deck and three from the aquarium.
Answer sheets can be bought for ¥600 each from the 60th floor ticket counter at the observation deck and next to the annual passport counter at the aquarium.
Tully’s Coffee Collaboration
Tully’s Coffee coasters
Both venues have their own branches of Tully’s Coffee, a cafe chain. For every ¥800 spent on a transaction you will receive one of eight possible coasters chosen randomly.展
Movie ticket campaign
If you go to see the upcoming Fate/Grand Order movie in Japan and show your movie ticket at either the observation deck or aquarium you can get 20% off your entry to the event.劇
More original merchandise
Starting on December 4, the observation deck will begin selling merchandise tickets in addition to regular entry tickets which include both admission and a piece of merchandise.
©TYPE-MOON / FGO6 ANIME PROJECT
Information
Fate/Grand Order x SKY CIRCUS Sunshine 60 Observation Deck x Sunshine Aquarium
Venues: SKY CIRCUS Sunshine 60 Observation Deck / Sunshine Aquarium
Address: Sunshine City, 3-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Dates
Observation Deck: December 4, 2020 – January 31, 2021
Aquarium: December 4, 2020 – January 11, 2021
SKY CIRCUSSunshine 60 Observation Deck Official Website: https://sunshinecity.jp/observatory/