Kinosaki Marine World SeaZoo

The "SeaZoo" fish displays area at Kinosaki Marine World in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, celebrated its 30th anniversary and reopened on July 25, 2024, after renovations. The concept of the newly completed displays "CUBE" in "SeaZoo" is "Towards a more conversational aquarium." Through conversations with the creatures and zookeepers, 20 cube-shaped tanks, illustrations, and graphic boards, it aims to be a new displays style that encourages learning together, curiosity, new discoveries, and free thinking.

・I want to become an aquarium at Hiyoriyama Beach.
・We want to be an aquarium that stimulates intellectual curiosity.
-We want to be an aquarium that conveys the individuality and characteristics of the fish in a simple manner.
・We want to be an aquarium where visitors can be moved by the creatures that live there.
The above request was made.

We prioritize genuine conversations between visitors and between visitors and zookeepers, and we strive to create an environment where visitors can learn on their own and develop a greater interest in the animals.

The role of the zookeepers is to connect the animals with the visitors. They convey the joy of learning from the animals and nurturing life, and encourage visitors' interest and deeper knowledge by directly answering their questions. A communication board featuring the zookeepers' words and illustrations is placed next to the tanks. To foster a sense of familiarity while showcasing the individuality and thoughts of each zookeeper, the expression is intentionally not standardized, allowing each zookeeper to express their insights and what they want to convey in their own words. In terms of spatial concept design, by limiting the information presented, similar to an art museum, concept design encourages visitors to focus on the tanks themselves and appreciate them while engaging in conversation.

Furthermore, each tank is displays to closely resemble the animals' natural habitat, allowing visitors to witness their vibrant lives and the dramas and stories that unfold from them. At Hiyoriyama Beach, the exhibit recreates the local "Tayui Wetland," registered under the Ramsar Convention, along with the marine life, as part of the Blue Carbon Project to protect the ocean. Visitors can learn about the local marine life and environment while also appreciating the passion of the aquarium staff.