#Japan #Tokyo #Jellyfish #Sunshine Aquarium #Student Project

Sunshine Aquarium's Upcoming Jellyfish Exhibit in 2025

In the heart of Ikebukuro, Tokyo, the Sunshine Aquarium has been making waves in aquatic education since 2020. This notable institution aims to nurture the next generation of aquarium professionals by providing students keen on animal-related careers with hands-on opportunities in marine biology, specifically through the care of jellyfish.

This year, students from the Japan Pet and Animal Specialist School and the TCA Tokyo ECO Animal Marine School embarked on an exciting journey. Under the guidance of skilled aquarium staff, they participated in curriculum-based lectures focusing on jellyfish care. Students engaged in both the theoretical and practical aspects of raising these captivating creatures, culminating in a six-month intensive program. They dealt with challenges and triumphs as they nurtured their jellyfish from tiny larvae to flourishing adults, ready for the spotlight in a special exhibit.

As they celebrated their accomplishment, these dedicated students will showcase their jellyfish in the “Jellyfish Panorama” tank at the Sunshine Aquarium, famous for its remarkable 14-meter width. This stunning display will create an immersive underwater world, enveloping visitors in the mesmerizing essence of jellyfish swimming in a darkened ocean atmosphere.

To maintain consistent jellyfish displays—a challenge due to the aquarium's inland location—Sunshine Aquarium has invested significant efforts into jellyfish breeding behind the scenes. This strategic initiative ensures that they can sustainably manage the delicate creatures, delighting visitors year-round.

Collaboration Between Aquarium and Educational Institutions

The collaboration between Sunshine Aquarium and the educational institutions doesn’t stop at just raising jellyfish. The aquarium actively promotes environmental education and experiential learning opportunities by organizing various programs involving local schools and organizations. For instance, they partnered with Komagome Junior High School and Rikkyo University's Faculty of Science to launch a coral conservation program aimed at enriching community knowledge.

Moreover, the aquarium organized product development workshops for students from the NPO Terakoya, inspiring them to explore creative solutions outside conventional educational pathways. The products they developed showcase their ideas, which are then marketed in the aquarium's shop, reinforcing the bond between education, creativity, and practical application.

A pioneering endeavor was the pilot experiment of a penguin individual identification system, developed by Meiji University, which allows for a focus on the unique characteristics of individual species and their ecosystems. Such initiatives highlight the aquarium’s commitment to conservation, animal welfare, and education.

Future Endeavors and Contributions to Education

As we look toward 2025, Sunshine Aquarium plans to continue leveraging its expertise in jellyfish care and maintain its supportive role in education. By facilitating various experiential learning and job training programs, the aquarium hopes to inspire a love for marine life and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Visitors to the aquarium can anticipate a thought-provoking and immersive experience as they witness jellyfish—creatures that challenge the limits of beauty and biological complexity—gracing the “Jellyfish Panorama.”

Visit Us!

If you’re interested in experiencing this remarkable exhibit, please note that the Sunshine Aquarium, located at Sunshine City in Tokyo, is open to the public every day, with special hours during certain seasons and holidays. Tickets range from 800 yen for children to 2,600 yen for adults, making it an accessible outing for families and individuals alike.

Come join us and see the incredible results of student dedication and learn more about the mesmerizing world of jellyfish!

Additional Information:

• - Location: Tokyo, Toshima-ku, Higashi-Ikebukuro 3-1, Sunshine City World Import Mart Building Rooftop
• - Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
• - Contact: Sunshine Aquarium: 03-3989-3466
• - Website: Sunshine Aquarium