Tokyo Sea Life Park has various departments, including animal care and exhibition staff, and education and outreach staff.

As part of 　the commemorative projects for our 35th anniversary this year, we will be publishing a series of articles titled "The Dreams of Aquarium Leaders," in which leaders from each department will discuss themes such as "the ideal exhibit/aquarium" and "what they want to do and their dreams for their future work."

The 5th installment: "I want to create the ocean"

I love the sea and marine life. And I especially love Tokyo Sea Life Park I can observe marine life anytime.

You might think that's obvious since I work at an aquarium. However, this is my starting point when it comes to working at an aquarium, and it's something I return to when I'm troubled or stuck.

At Tokyo Sea Life Park, each tank is designed with a specific marine environment as its concept. We have made various efforts to convey the natural state of the creatures that live in each respective habitat. We are grateful for the enjoyment we have received from so many people, and this year marks our 35th anniversary.

I first saw the tanks at Tokyo Sea Life Park when I was in elementary school. Back then, of course, I had no idea that so much effort went into creating the exhibits (like diving into oceans all over the world to collect creatures!). As a staff member, I've been responsible for creating the exhibits, and I've struggled and experimented with how to best convey the charm of living creatures. I've also felt proud when I've seen people enjoying the exhibits. But there's one wall that I just can't overcome. That is, creating the ocean inside the tank.


When I was in elementary school, I had the experience of feeding fish at "Tokyo Beach".
Anyone who has ever dived into the ocean will realize that the diverse landscapes created by the countless creatures and natural environment beneath the surface can never be replicated in an aquarium. Aquarium tanks simply cannot compare to the ocean. So, is there no other way to convey the true charm of the ocean and its creatures than to have people dive into the ocean and experience it for themselves? What can we, as an aquarium, do?

If you have access to the ocean, I highly recommend observing marine life in the real sea rather than in an aquarium tank. However, for those who can't easily go to the ocean, and even for those who can dive, please use an aquarium as a substitute when the weather is bad or you don't have enough time. You can observe marine life anytime, anywhere, without any special skills or equipment. While it may not compare to the real ocean, we offer a special experience that you can't get just by diving, and we look forward to your visit. I believe this is the strength of an aquarium.

You can observe the behavior of creatures you rarely get to see (eating, sleeping, courting, and sometimes even laying eggs!). We also exhibit creatures from the deep sea and polar regions, which are not easily accessible. For those who want to deepen their knowledge, we offer a variety of explanatory programs and numerous observation events.

Now, my dream is to create the "sea," which I mentioned earlier as something that "cannot be created," in an aquarium. What are the conditions for creating the sea? Properly raising the creatures to be exhibited, the movement of light and water, creating environmental designs inside and outside the tanks—I will continue to explore the endless combinations of these elements, striving to allow visitors to experience the sea, even if only for a brief moment.

I am currently in charge of coordinating the renovation of the aquarium, which is scheduled for 2028. I am working with architectural experts, exhibition design specialists, and other experts in their respective fields to create an unprecedentedly attractive aquarium.

My dream is to create the ocean. I'll do my best.

[Junichi Nakazawa, Head of the New Aquarium Preparation Office Tokyo Sea Life Park]

• Serialized article: 35th Anniversary Project "The Dreams of Aquarium Leaders"
　[1] Thoughts on the exhibits at the aquarium
　[2] The path that aquariums aim for - We want them to always be close to you
　[3] Would you like to get involved in the maintenance and management of the facilities that support the aquarium from behind the scenes?
　[4] Aquariums where you can learn while having fun
　[5] I want to create the ocean
　[6] Aqua Positive
　[7] Aiming for an inclusive aquarium
　[8] The Dreaming Old Man
　[9] The job of a "boatman" at an aquarium - Let's continue the dream together!
　[10] Value hospitality
　[11] What we want to convey from shops and restaurants!! The charm and importance of living things
　[12 (Final Episode)] Thoughts and daily life of the Business Division staff

(September 27, 2024)