"Art Aquarium," a groundbreaking underwater art exhibition, attracted 500,000 visitors last year, bringing the total number of visitors to over 3 million. This summer-filled exhibition will be held again this year from July 11 to September 23 at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.
The theme for this year's fourth exhibition is "The Coolness of Edo and Goldfish," a nod to Nihonbashi, the birthplace of goldfish culture. Titled "ECO EDO Nihonbashi Art Aquarium 2014 -- The Coolness of Edo and Goldfish -- & Night Aquarium," the event breaks new ground with elegant displays throughout, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the "coolness" and "Japanese beauty" alongside approximately 5,000 goldfish, including Ranchu goldfish, each priced at approximately 300,000 yen. The venue was filled with works such as "Paradoxrium," in which the appearance of swimming fish changes seven times depending on the viewing angle due to the mirror effect of the water, and "Byobrism II," in which goldfish dance seductively in a "folding screen aquarium" on which images of Japan's symbolic motifs of nature, such as Mount Fuji and cranes, are projected.
In addition to "Ooku," a masterpiece from the Giant Goldfish Bowl series, two must-see works, "Earth Aquarium Japonism" and "Bomborium," making their Nihonbashi debut.
Inspired by the Earth, "Earth Aquarium Japonism" stuns viewers with its innovative mechanism, in which Nishikigoi carp gracefully swim underwater in a gigantic globe-like 1.5-meter diameter aquarium, while the work itself slowly rotates. Standing in front of the "Bomborium" series, inspired by the snow caves beloved since the Edo period, the aquarium is likened to a light fixture, you can enjoy the contrast of LED lights and softly illuminated goldfish.
"Goldfish are living creatures. To ensure the fish's comfort, not only do we provide them with food, but our entire staff stays vigil every night to maintain the water quality in the tanks. This exhibition is an event brimming with love for ecology," says producer Hidetomo Kimura, a leading figure in art aquariums and the man behind the creation of a "Japanese underwater world" that can be fully experienced with all five senses.
The Night Aquarium, open nightly until 11:30 PM, will feature events such as "Geisha Night" and "Dassai Night," as well as special live performances by renowned artists.
During the exhibition, wind chimes collected from around Japan will be displayed on the eaves of 214 stores in the Nihonbashi area. There are also various perks available, such as a photo session and a chance to receive a brand new yukata set if you come to the store wearing a yukata.
[Event Information]
ECO EDO Nihonbashi Art Aquarium 2014 - Cool Edo Goldfish - & Night Aquarium
Venue: Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall
Address: 5th floor, Coredo Muromachi, 2-2-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (entrance is on the 4th floor)
Dates: July 11th to September 23rd
Time: 11:00 to 23:30 (last admission at 23:00)
Admission Fee: 1,000 yen for adults, 600 yen for elementary school students and younger, free for children 3 and younger
