This new aquarium on the third floor of the Aqua City Odaiba shopping mall fuses Japanese traditional designs with modern art. The attraction is made up of five areas – Wabisabi, Oiran, Mangekyo, Yuraku and Ryugu – each with a distinctive design inspired by its name.
The word ‘Wabisabi’ refers to ‘beauty in simplicity’, a concept that’s brought to life in the first area, which reproduces a scene commonly depicted on Japanese hanging scroll paintings. Here nishikigoi carp swim between driftwood and crystals. Oiran, on the other hand, is inspired by the colourful and elaborate garments of Edo-era courtesans. You’ll see colourful koi in tanks set against a backdrop of wagasa parasols and classic Japanese motifs.
Mangekyo, which means ‘kaleidoscope’, features an abundance of reflecting lights and mirror balls alongside a large mural by artist Tsuyoshi Nigamushi. Yuraku stands for ‘amusement’ and that’s exactly what you can expect in this area. Themed on Japan’s four seasons, here you can enjoy a projection mapping version of goldfish scooping and draw an omikuji fortune slip.
Lastly, Ryugu, which is the highlight of the aquarium, is inspired by Ryugu-jo, the undersea palace of Ryujin, the dragon god of the sea in Japanese folklore. This space is home to uniquely-shaped aquariums, terrariums, driftwood art, lanterns and more.