ART│Art Aquarium 2013: Summer Coolness of Edo Goldfish
ART | 5,000 Goldfish Dance in a Dazzling Underwater Spectacle
Art Aquarium 2013: Edo-Coolness of Goldfish
An exhibition of underwater art, "ECO EDO Nihonbashi: The Art Aquarium 2013 - Edo-Coolness of Goldfish," features approximately 5,000 goldfish dancing elegantly and gracefully in an aquatic space. It will be held from Saturday, July 13th to Monday, September 23rd, at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall in Coredo Muromachi, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Night Aquarium Held Daily from 7 PM
This fantastical Art Aquarium, evoking the charm of old Edo, focuses on goldfish, a creature cherished by the Japanese since the Edo period. It merges traditional Japanese motifs with cutting-edge lighting and projection technology. The beloved summer event in Nihonbashi, which captivated 200,000 visitors last year, returns.
The producer behind this space, where one can experience "coolness" and "Japanese beauty" through all five senses, is Hidetomo Kimura, a leading figure in "Art Aquarium"—a fusion of aquariums and art.
This year's exhibition introduces "Kimonorium," where the patterns of exquisite Kyoto Yuzen kimonos are expressed with 3D projection mapping onto live goldfish embedded within the tanks. Additionally, the "Goldfish Collection" tanks, showcasing never-before-seen varieties, are reimagined with a new design featuring numerous round tanks of various sizes that appear to burst from the walls.
The exhibition also features numerous works making their Japanese debut, including a new, grand-scale creation inspired by Kimura's signature piece, the giant goldfish bowl "Oiran," which houses about 1,000 goldfish. Visitors can immerse themselves in an evolving world of underwater art.
Furthermore, the "Night Aquarium" event will be held daily from 7 PM. The atmosphere transforms with music and lighting, creating an adult-friendly space where guests can relax with drinks, including original "Goldfish Cocktails." Special live performances and DJ sets by renowned artists are also scheduled for weekends, making it an unmissable experience.
Art Aquarium blends Edo-era aesthetics with contemporary artistry, gracing the summer in Nihonbashi. Why not seek out this uniquely Japanese beauty and coolness?
ECO EDO Nihonbashi: The Diners Club
Art Aquarium 2013 - Edo-Coolness of Goldfish
Dates: Saturday, July 13 - Monday, September 23
Hours: 11:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Venue: Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall
2-2-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Coredo Muromachi 5F
Tel: 03-3270-2550 *From July 12
Admission: Adults ¥1000, Children (elementary school and younger) ¥600, Free for children under 3