"The World of Beautiful Transparent Specimens: Skeletons in Glass" opens October 1st!
Aqua World Oarai will be hosting a special exhibition, "The Beautiful World of Transparent Specimens: Skeletons in Glass," in collaboration with transparent specimen artist Iori Tomita. In the special exhibition room on the 4th floor of the aquarium, visitors can see transparent specimen works created by Mr. Tomita, as well as explanatory panels in each tank that allow for comparative observation of the exhibited organisms and their transparent specimens.
During the special event period, the relaxation cafe "Mermaid" will be selling event-exclusive menu items, and a workshop will be held where annual pass holders can take home a transparent specimen.
| Date | 2026/10/Thursday, the 1st of the month - Sunday, December 6th |
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Now that the heat has subsided and the weather has become more pleasant, why not immerse yourself in the mystical world of transparent specimens?
What are transparent specimens?
Transparent specimens were developed to study the skeletons of "small creatures" that are difficult to prepare as skeletal specimens. This technique involves using enzymes to break down proteins, making the flesh transparent, staining the hard bones red, and the cartilage blue. Beyond being academic specimens, they offer an entry point into art and science, allowing us to experience the beauty of life.
A fantastical world of transparent specimens: Special Exhibition
On the fourth floor of the museum, in the special exhibition room, you can see the beautiful transparent specimen works of transparent specimen artist Mr. Tomita, and by comparing actual living creatures with transparent specimens, you can learn about the secrets inside the body that you normally cannot see.
In addition to transparent specimens, we also display various types of specimens, including skeletal specimens, alongside live specimens. This allows you to appreciate not only the artistic aspects of specimens but also their profound importance in wildlife conservation research and our own medicine.
| Exhibition place | 4th Floor, Special Exhibition Room |
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Aquariums offer unique displays comparing live organisms with transparent specimens.
During the exhibition period, each aquarium will feature panels that compare photographs of the exhibited creatures with their transparent specimens, explaining the creatures' physical characteristics and ecology. We encourage you to observe the exhibited creatures from a different perspective than usual, while watching them swim in the tanks.
| Implementation site | Each tank inside the building |
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Event-exclusive menu
To coincide with this special event, we will be selling limited-time menu items, including sweets made with transparent warabi mochi and drinks that change color vividly when mixed with syrup. You can enjoy not only the taste but also the beauty of the appearance, the changes in color and gradients that are created when you mix them.
"Transparent Warabi Mochi" Price: 650 yen
This luxurious dessert combines bouncy, translucent warabi mochi with smooth chestnut whipped cream! The rich black syrup perfectly complements the flavor, creating a delightful Japanese-Western fusion treat.
"Experimental Drink" Price: 650 yen
Mixing blue Hawaii syrup into a soda containing cassis syrup creates a refreshing drink with a delightful change in color.
| Sales location | Mermaid Relax Cafe, 3rd Floor |
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Exclusively for Annual Pass Holders: Workshop "Let's Make Transparent Specimens!"
For annual pass holders, we will be holding a workshop where you can create transparent specimens in small bottles, accompanied by a lecture from transparent specimen artist Mr. Tomita. You can take home your completed transparent specimen as a souvenir. Why not create a fantastical transparent specimen as a memento of your visit?
| Date | November 3, 2026 (Tuesday/Holiday) |
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| Time | ①10:00～ ②11:00～③12:00～④13:00～⑤14:00～ (Experience time: approximately 30 minutes) |
| Capacity | 30 |
| place | 3rd floor Shark Daddy's Room |
| Entry fee | 1,000 yen per person |
| Ticket Sales | Online ticketThis item will only be available for purchase. *Sales begin October 1st (Thursday) at 11:10 AM. |
*You can take home one artwork per experience ticket.
*Please present your annual pass at the workshop venue entrance on the day of the event.
*The specimen you will take home is a small fish, about 1 cm in length.
*The content may change depending on the situation.
●Profile of transparent specimen artist Iori Tomita
Born in 1983. Graduated from the Department of Fisheries Biosciences, Faculty of Fisheries, Kitasato University in March 2006.
While studying at the same faculty (now the Faculty of Marine Life Sciences), he became fascinated by transparent skeletal specimens for research and began creating them on his own. After graduating, he moved to Tokyo and took a job at a general company, but later returned to Iwate Prefecture and continued making transparent specimens while working as a fisherman's apprentice.
In May 2008, he began his activities as "Transparent Specimens" in the new world. His unique worldview quickly attracted attention. Since then, he has continued as a transparent specimen artist. Currently, he is expanding his activities on the theme of transparent specimens, including various exhibitions, photo book publications, and lectures, and is attracting attention not only in Japan but also around the world.
*All images are for illustrative purposes only. *All prices include tax.