#Japan #Tokyo #Marine Festival #Butch the Whale Shark #Tokyo Marina

Dive into the Ocean Mystery with Butch!

On September 27 and 28, 2025, Tokyo Marina played host to the exciting "Marine Festival 2025" where participants were invited to experience the wonders of the ocean through the captivating program titled "A Marine Adventure! Learning with Butch the Whale Shark." This event, organized by the General Incorporated Association of Natural Science Experience and Learning Network, was crafted to bring people closer to the ocean and its myriad of wonders.

An Unforgettable Experience

Attendees stepped into a massive air dome that enveloped them in a 360-degree underwater spectacle. This unique setting allowed children and adults alike to feel as though they were truly diving into the ocean depths. Guided by Butch, the hilarious and engaging whale shark character, participants were treated to real-time conversations, making the learning process both fun and interactive. The voice of Butch was brought to life by comedic talents Ryohei Good and Maho Koide, adding a layer of humor that kept everyone entertained.

The event was immensely popular, with lines forming before each session and attendance exceeding capacity as families eagerly awaited their turn. With a total of 330 participants, the atmosphere was vibrant and filled with laughter and excitement.

Learning Through Fun Activities

The air dome wasn’t the only attraction; nearby, a unique "fish karuta" board showcased fish patterns that were created using special printing technology. Participants delighted in exploring the textures and colors of the displayed marine life. The interaction with Butch wasn't limited to the dome; children also received a tour file featuring interesting facts about ocean creatures, further enhancing their educational experience during the adventure.

Butch posed fun quizzes which prompted enthusiastic responses from the audience. The children used their file to eagerly provide answers, creating a collective energy filled with joyous shouts. Interactive actions, like using plastic bags to simulate ocean waves, brought attendees even closer together, fostering a sense of community and excitement.

The highlight of the event was not only the joy it brought but also the important lessons learned. As discussions about pressing marine issues, like the effects of climate change on coral reefs, became part of the experience, many young participants reflected seriously on what it means to protect our oceans.

Voices from Participants

Feedback from children and their guardians included:

• - "Butch was adorable, and talking with him was a blast!"
• - "It was great how easy it was for kids to learn about marine life."
• - "The quizzes were not only fun but also educational!"
• - "I was shocked at the amount of trash in the ocean."
• - "Learning about the features of sea creatures was particularly interesting!"

This event set the stage for an ongoing dialogue about marine conservation and the responsibility we all share to protect our oceans for future generations.

About the Organizers

The General Incorporated Association of Natural Science Experience and Learning Network focuses on fostering curiosity and problem-solving abilities through active learning in the field of natural science. Their mission aligns closely with the broader goals of the Japan Foundation's "Ocean and Japan Project," which aims to motivate people across the nation to think of the ocean as a personal matter and take action to preserve it.

Visit the Ocean and Japan Project
For more information about the events organized by the association, check out their website.