The "Kurashiki Goldfish Museum: The Tale of Dragons and Goldfish," where art and tradition intertwine in Kurashiki, is being held until September 16, 2024 (Monday)! An aquarium in a different space where goldfish and dragons dance.

When we think of summer, festivals and the food stalls that line them come to mind. Cotton candy, takoyaki... some might even think of goldfish scooping.

The Japanese tradition of goldfish appreciation has continued since the Edo period.

This summer of 2024, the "Kurashiki Goldfish Museum," featuring beautiful aquariums made with Bizen pottery and recreating the fish festival held in Kurashiki during the Edo period, is coming to Aeon Mall Kurashiki.

I attended a preview event held on July 10 (Wednesday), the day before the opening, where I learned more about the charm of the venue, and I would like to share that with you.

What is the "Kurashiki Goldfish Museum: The Tale of the Dragon and Goldfish"?

The "Kurashiki Goldfish Museum: The Tale of the Dragon and Goldfish" is a limited-time aquarium opened by UWS ENTERTAINMENT, Inc. at Aeon Mall Kurashiki from July 11 (Thursday) to September 16 (Monday), 2024.

The aquarium is an exhibition that expresses the goldfish appreciation culture that has continued since the Edo period as an art form, captivating one million people in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nara, and Kagawa.

At the Kurashiki venue, you can enjoy an aquarium in a fantastical space where goldfish and dragons dance, woven together with Kurashiki's art and tradition, featuring beautiful aquariums made with Bizen pottery and areas recreating the fish festival of Edo period Kurashiki.

During the preview event on July 10 (Wednesday), GA☆KYO, who has built a new style of aquarium known as Water Planet with delicate and extravagant ideas, shared his passionate thoughts about the Kurashiki Goldfish Museum as a representative of UWS ENTERTAINMENT.

In preparing to hold the aquarium in Kurashiki, inspiration was drawn from the namako walls of the Bikan Historical Area, the majestic Takahashi River, and the irrigation channels found throughout Kurashiki City. When GA☆KYO posed the question, "Although not often seen nowadays, if we trace back to Japan's original scenery, goldfish were fish swimming in irrigation channels," participants nodded in agreement.

Feeling a connection between the many irrigation channels that are the origin of goldfish and the aquarium, it was decided to hold the event in Kurashiki. Additionally, since the Takahashi River flowing near Kurashiki is also known by the name "Dragon," the theme for this event became "The Tale of the Dragon and Goldfish."

Exhibits divided into six zones

The venue is divided into six zones.

Japanese Pattern Goldfish

The Japanese Pattern Goldfish, themed around traditional "Wagara" patterns and "living art goldfish," allows visitors to view the goldfish not only from the front but also from above and below.

According to GA☆KYO, it is recommended to view the goldfish from above.

Indeed, it seems that goldfish scooping at food stalls and goldfish in irrigation channels are often viewed from above.

The goldfish swimming gracefully here are of Japanese origin. As I immerse myself in the world of the aquarium, I feel a sense of nostalgia.

Digi-Kin

Digi-Kin is an exhibition that utilizes projection mapping and the latest technology.

In this zone, you can experience digital goldfish scooping.

If you successfully scoop a goldfish, a fortune slip will come out. Since the event is held during the summer vacation period, there are many features that allow children to enjoy the aquarium while playing.

Rainbow Dome

The wooden dome set up in the center of the venue reflects the light from the mirror ball inside, creating a fantastical space like a kaleidoscope.

It is nice to view from outside, but it is also enjoyable to enter and become part of the kaleidoscope while closely observing the goldfish.

You can also see the happenings inside the venue from within the dome, so it seems you can enjoy various views.

Bizen Goldfish

This is a collaborative space featuring Bizen pottery from Okayama and goldfish.

In the aquarium adorned with the Bikan Historical Area, rare goldfish Dragon Scale, which are not yet available in Japan, swim.

The heaviness of the Bizen pottery and the scenery of the Bikan Historical Area pair beautifully with the goldfish, making one imagine how wonderful it would be if goldfish were truly swimming in the Bikan Historical Area...

The Tale of the Dragon and Goldfish

As a culmination of the four zones mentioned above, the final area of the venue is set up as a space resembling Dragon Palace.

The visual impact of the art is, of course, complemented by the fragrance of flowers and the sound of flowing water, creating a space that can be enjoyed through all the senses. It truly is a place where you can experience goldfish viewing as contemporary art.

There is also a kaleidoscope that you can freely peek into, so we recommend viewing the goldfish through the kaleidoscope as well.

Goldfish Path

As you leave the venue, the path to the exit is lined with goldfish lanterns bidding you farewell.

These are original goldfish lanterns made by artisans from Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, famous for their goldfish lantern production, specifically for this aquarium event.

It seems that this space was created with the image of the "Kurashiki Fish Festival" that was held in Kurashiki during the Edo period.

Adorable goldfish lanterns swim in the air, and when you glance down, you see goldfish swimming in a wooden tub. The "Kurashiki Fish Festival" is a festival that is no longer held, and even though none of us have experienced it, we leave the venue with a somewhat nostalgic and comforting feeling.

The venue is spacious and not one-way, so you can enjoy the viewing at your own pace.

Let's Find Your Favorite Goldfish

The goldfish exhibited at the "Kurashiki Goldfish Museum" number around 1,000 of approximately 40 varieties.

In addition to popular goldfish like the round Ping Pong Pearl, there are also goldfish that are not commonly found in Japan on display.

Each has different colors and shapes, so it seems fun to search for your own favorite goldfish.

An Interactive Aquarium for Both Children and Adults

In the latter half of this preview event, preschool children also visited.

The most popular area for the children was, of course, the Digital Goldfish Zone. It was impressive to see the children actively moving around, chasing the goldfish swimming at their feet and trying their hand at the digital goldfish scooping game.

When it comes to exhibitions in dark spaces, there is often an image that one must be quiet, but with the activities available, it naturally becomes lively. Additionally, there are photo spots throughout, allowing you to capture summer memories in photos.

At the entrance of the venue, there is also an area where you can actually try goldfish scooping. Why not challenge yourself?

Conclusion

In recent years, it seems that experiential art, such as teamLab and others, has been increasing, not just in aquariums. Interactive art that becomes lively through the movements of other viewers or by scooping goldfish offers a different kind of fun compared to traditional art that is quietly observed.
Since Aeon Mall Kurashiki attracts many families, a diverse viewing experience can be expected.

The exhibition runs without breaks until the final day on September 16 (Monday).

As it is an indoor facility, you can visit without being affected by the weather, so why not come and create summer memories while staying cool?

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