#Japan #Environmental Technology #Bunkyo, Tokyo #Innoqua #Innovate Aquarium

INNOVATE AQUARIUM FESTIVAL 2025: A Celebration of Harmony Between Nature and Humans

The INNOVATE AQUARIUM FESTIVAL 2025, organized by Innoqua Corporation, is set to take place on November 15 and 16, 2025. This annual event, now in its fourth year, strives to showcase the vital connection between humans and nature through the world of aquariums, under the theme of “Have Signs of Change Emerged?”

Based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Innoqua focuses on enhancing environmental preservation efforts through innovative aquarium practices. The festival is designed not only to celebrate the aesthetics of aquariums but to also highlight the expertise of aquarists who are passionate about aquatic life. Over the past three years, the festival has grown to become one of the largest platforms in Japan for aspiring aquarists and innovators with over 730 participants actively engaging in showcasing their skills and ideas.

The INNOVATE AQUARIUM FESTIVAL 2025 promises to be an exciting venture, integrating insights gathered from previous events to drive meaningful societal contributions. For instance, Takuto Igarashi, the first Grand Prize winner, joined Innoqua, using his extensive knowledge in mangroves and seaweed to contribute to environmental exhibits in events such as the Osakan Healthcare Pavilion. Similarly, Aiko Yamabata, an early finalist who researched Japanese fire-bellied newts as an elementary school student, is now receiving support for her ongoing studies from the Rohto Child Future Foundation. These examples illustrate the festival's success in transforming the passion and skills of aquarists into practical environmental solutions.

Program Overview: Sharing Achievements, Exploring Now, and Investing in Future

The festival comprises three core programs that embody the cycle of innovation:

1. Current Exploration - AWARD
This primary program allows finalists to present their aquatic research and techniques to an audience of guest judges and partner companies. Previous projects have included creative initiatives like the “Mini Earth Project Utilizing a 1-Ton Aquarium” and “Bridging Environmental Conservation Through Aquatic Plants.”

Additionally, a new category titled “Aquarium Outsiders” has been introduced that invites individuals with unique approaches outside traditional aquarium practices. This includes researchers who conduct field studies as well as artists who confront the value of nature through their work.

- Number of Participants:
- Aquarists: Approximately 4
- Aquarium Outsiders: Approximately 2

- Awards:
- Grand Prize: Awarded to one aquarist
- Partner Company Award: Open to all finalists

2. Sharing Achievements - KYOEI-Innovater Presentations
This new program shines a light on past AWARD winners who have taken concrete actions since their recognition. Presenters will share their current initiatives aimed at harmonizing humans with nature to inspire the next generation of innovators.

Notable speakers include:
- Takuto Igarashi (Ecosystem Engineer at Innoqua)
- Aiko Yamabata (1st Year Student at Takikawa Junior High School, Researcher on Fire-Bellied Newts)

3. Investing in the Future - EGG Program
Targeting individuals under 18, this initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of aquarists. The program addresses the challenges young enthusiasts face in pursuing in-depth exploration activities by providing resources and financial support.

Participants will receive help from Innoqua’s ecosystem engineers and professional aquarium shops across Japan, covering both technical guidance and financial assistance. Notably, past teams have engaged in significant regional environmental issues, such as replicating the spawning habitats of the Tohoku salamander and creating natural systems to capture tidal changes. Such work showcases the potential for nurturing future citizen scientists and environmental technicians.

Furthermore, the festival will feature distinguished guests from the aquarium and biological communities, as well as a special lecture from comedian Hattori, ensuring an engaging experience for all attendees. Early registrants will also receive unique original merchandise designed in collaboration with Kaoribu Suzuki.

Festival Details

• - Event Name: INNOVATE AQUARIUM FESTIVAL 2025
• - Date: November 15-16, 2025
• - Location: To Be Announced (check the official site for updates)
• - Participation Method: Registration via official website (details to be announced)
• - Target Participants: Aquarists, researchers, companies interested in water environment issues, and all nature enthusiasts
• - Official Website: INNOVATE AQUARIUM FESTIVAL 2025
• - Organizer: Innoqua Corporation

About Innoqua Corporation

Innoqua is a venture company that aims to combine the power of aquarists with AI and IoT technology to recreate ecosystems within aquariums through their core technology, “Environmental Transport Technology®.” They are dedicated to increasing mankind's options while creating a world where both humans and nature thrive.

• - Company Name: Innoqua Corporation
• - CEO: Yota Takakura
• - Established: April 2019
• - Headquarters: 1F Sumitomo Realty and Development Iidabashi Building, 2-3-21 Korakucho, Bunkyo, Tokyo
• - Business Activities: Research and development of environmental transport technology, ecosystem monitoring, environmental education programs, and more
• - Website: Innoqua Corp

For media inquiries regarding this release, please contact the Innoqua Public Relations team via email at [email protected].