"Art Aquarium," an aquarium art exhibition by artist Kimura Hidetomo, will be held in Nihonbashi, Tokyo from July 7th to September 24th, and at Nijo Castle, Kyoto, from October 25th to December 10th.
The exhibition combines "art, design, and entertainment" with "aquariums." Now in its 11th year, it will be held in two cities symbolizing the unique Japanese culture connected by the Tokaido: Nihonbashi, Tokyo, where goldfish culture flourished, and the ancient capital of Kyoto, with its eternal history.
At "ECO EDO Nihonbashi Art Aquarium 2017 ~Edo Goldfish Coolness~ & Night Aquarium" to be held in Tokyo, a new work inspired by a treasure box will make its debut, "Tamaterium," based on the concept of "Dragon Palace," where goldfish swim in the sea. A fantastical Japanese aquarium world unfolds, evoking a sense of straying into the red-light district of the Edo period. Approximately 8,000 ornamental fish, primarily goldfish, dance seductively. The "Night Aquarium" after 7 PM allows visitors to enjoy the exhibits with a drink in hand. Depending on the day, the venue also features live performances by popular DJs and jazz bands, Kyoto dance performances by Gion maiko and geisha, and popular theater courtesan shows, providing an extraordinary experience. Also, the "150th Anniversary of the Restoration of Imperial Rule: Art Aquarium Castle - Kyoto, Goldfish Dance" will be held in Kyoto for the first time in two years, and will be the only outdoor exhibition. Nijo Castle, a former imperial villa with over 400 years of history, will be located in the Ninomaru Palace Courtyard, the Kitchen Front Garden, and the Kitchen, which are closed to the public in the evenings. This "Japanese World Art Aquarium" will showcase goldfish and koi carp, two symbols of Japanese beauty, and Kyoto's proud traditional crafts in a new form. Additionally, "Super Oiran," the largest artwork in Art Aquarium history, will be making its Western Japan debut, and there will also be a "Night Festival BAR" where you can sample Kyoto's local sake and pickles, and a "Tea Ceremony" where you can enjoy tea and Japanese sweets from a long-established shop.
In addition, actress Aya Ueto will be appointed as the exhibition's public relations ambassador, and there will also be an "Artistic Photo Calendar Collection" in collaboration with photographer Leslie Kee, and for the first time, set tickets for both venues will be sold.
【Event Information】
■Tokyo Venue
"ECO EDO Nihonbashi Art Aquarium 2017 ~Edo・Goldfish Coolness~ & Night Aquarium"
Dates: July 7th - September 24th
Venue: Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall
Address: 5th floor (entrance on 4th floor), Coredo Muromachi 1, 2-2-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Times: Art Aquarium 11:00 - 19:00, Night Aquarium 19:00 - 23:30
(Admission until 23:00)
Admission: Adults (junior high school students and above) 1,000 yen, Children (ages 4 to elementary school) 600 yen, Free for children 3 and under
■Kyoto Venue
"Art Aquarium Castle ~Kyoto・Goldfish Dance~ Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Restoration of Imperial Rule"
Dates: October 25th - December 10th Venue: Former Imperial Villa Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace courtyard, kitchen front garden, kitchen)
Address: 541 Nijojo-cho, Nijo-dori Horikawa Nishiiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Time: 17:00-22:00 (last admission 21:30)
Admission: Adults (junior high school students and above) 1,500 yen, children (ages 4 to elementary school) 1,000 yen, free for children 3 and under
