#Japan #Fujita Kanko #Shimada #Shimada Aquarium #Dreams Program

Fulfill Your Dream at Shimada Ocean Aquarium

In a remarkable initiative celebrating its 70th anniversary, Fujita Kanko has launched a program called "Your Dream Comes True – Seven Dream Journeys." The Shimada Ocean Aquarium, located in Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture, has been selected to provide a unique opportunity to help a student fulfill their dream of becoming a marine biologist.

This event will take place on August 23rd and 24th, 2025, at the aquarium, where a high school student will experience what it’s like to be an aquatic caretaker. The selected student expressed their desire to participate in this fulfilling experience due to having visited Shimada Ocean Aquarium in their childhood, which inspired their dream of a career in the aquarium or marine sciences.

The chosen program stems from over 900 submissions that were received between January and February of this year. Out of these, the aquarium enthusiast's application stood out through its story, expressing a long-held passion for marine life sparked by visits to the aquarium. This commitment to helping nurture future generations is something the aquarium and Fujita Kanko take immense pride in.

The two-day experience includes various responsibilities typical of marine caretakers, such as preparing and feeding the animals. The lucky student will also dive into the large tank to feed the fish directly, an in-depth activity that offers firsthand knowledge of the marine and animal care sectors. Further, they will partake in essential maintenance tasks like cleaning the tanks, providing a holistic view of an aquatic steward's day.

In addition to activities involved in animal care, students will have engaging discussions with the staff, learning firsthand about their experiences and journeys within the marine biology field. The aquarium hopes this exposure will further inspire not only this specific participant but also others who have aspirations in similar fields.

Dream Program Schedule (Tentative)

• - August 23rd, 2025

- 11:30 AM: Day one experience begins (Turtle feed preparation, feeding activities, lecture on turtle research, tank cleaning)

• - August 24th, 2025

- 10:30 AM: Day two experience begins (Preparation, cleaning, dolphin feeding, maintenance log entries, shark feeding, large tank diving)

About Fujita Kanko

Founded in 1948, Fujita Kanko has been a pioneer in Japan’s tourism industry with the establishment of its first site, Hakone Kowakien, followed by the iconic Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo launched in 1952. The company was officially founded in 1955 and is on track to celebrate its landmark 70th anniversary on November 7th, 2025. By maximizing its assets—including human resources and cultural heritage—Fujita Kanko strives to provide exceptional services to numerous customers, focusing on unique content and business development. This helps support a diverse range of life cycles and lifestyles through the generation of new value and the aim of creating a flourishing society.

For more information, visit Fujita Kanko's official website.