#Japan #Tokyo #Summer #Goldfish #Sumo Aquarium

The Fascinating Link Between Goldfish and Summer Coolness

As Japan continues to experience unprecedented heatwaves, the question of how to cool down has become increasingly pertinent. Amidst this climatic crisis, the humble goldfish emerges as a surprising figure of relief, embodying the very essence of summer coolness that has been appreciated since the Edo period. Recently, the Sumida Aquarium in Tokyo conducted an urgent survey titled "Goldfish and Coolness Survey 2025" to explore how goldfish relate to the concept of coolness in contemporary Japan, unveiling some intriguing insights.

The Survey's Objective

The survey aimed to connect the traditional perception of goldfish with the notion of coolness during the sweltering summer months. Running from June 30 to July 2, 2025, the survey engaged 1,000 individuals aged 20 to 60 nationwide, gathering insights on their feelings towards goldfish as symbols of refreshment and comfort.

Findings: The Relationship Between Goldfish and Coolness

The results highlighted that goldfish are perceived to provide more visual coolness than various traditional symbols. Specifically:

• - 66.3% chose goldfish over blue colors.
• - 78.5% favored goldfish over mint.
• - 71.5% regarded goldfish as cooler than the kanji character for 'cool' (涼).
• - 71.9% found goldfish cooler than ghost stories.

Moreover, when asked to select only one item for relief from the heat, only 2.5% of participants chose goldfish, contrasting significantly with air conditioning at 66.7% and shaved ice at 15%. Notably, amongst men in their 20s, goldfish emerged as a preferred choice over traditional cooling options like fans. This reflects a strong cultural attachment to goldfish as a symbol of summer coolness that transcends mere physicality.

Participants' Personal Feelings

A significant 37.6% of respondents reported feeling cooler when observing goldfish, equating to an average perception of a 2.8-degree reduction in temperature. This sentiment was echoed across various responses, with some feeling as much as a 10-degree temperature dip. Such findings underscore the goldfish's role as not merely a pet but as an emotional and cultural talisman, evoking feelings of tranquility and relief amid the heat.

Diminishing Presence of Goldfish in Contemporary Homes

Part II of the survey delved into the socio-cultural implications of goldfish ownership in Japan's modern context. Respondents reflected on their childhood experiences, with 67% affirming they had kept goldfish. Alarmingly, 97.3% of this group perceived current summers as increasingly unbearable compared to their youth.

Now, only 8.9% actively maintain goldfish, a stark contrast to past figures. Interestingly, as the number of goldfish owners has declined, the perception of summer heat has inversely escalated, implying a correlation between the two phenomena. This raises the question: Could inviting goldfish back into modern Japanese lifestyles help mitigate the discomfort of rising temperatures?

A Renewed Appreciation for Goldfish

In light of these findings, it's no surprise that a notable percentage of individuals, particularly women in their 40s, are considering returning to goldfish keeping as a remedy for summer heat—a factor that indicates a revival of interest in these colorful aquatic creatures as more than just nostalgic memories.

As summer outings predominantly emphasize coolness, observers can find solace in events such as the Sumida Aquarium's special exhibition, "Tokyo Goldfish: Small Muses that Swim Through Time," held from July 24 to September 30, 2025. This exhibition is designed to provide refreshing visual experiences, showcasing various goldfish species in a cool indoor setting, allowing visitors to appreciate their beauty while escaping the oppressive heat outside.

Conclusion: Goldfish as Cultural Icons of Coolness

The results of the "Goldfish and Coolness Survey 2025" will also be showcased on the Tobu Sky Tree Line train from August 25 to September 14, providing passengers with not only visual engagement with the goldfish but also a tangible experience of the survey's insights as a part of their daily commutes.

As we navigate through relentlessly hot summers, a renewed appreciation for goldfish may just be the refreshing embrace we all need, connecting the past with the present and illustrating the enduring legacy of these delightful creatures in our cultural consciousness.