Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

In 1975, the Okinawa International Ocean Expo was held in Motobu Town, Okinawa Prefecture. Following the conclusion of the expo, the Ocean Expo Park (National Okinawa Memorial Park Ocean Expo District) was established as a national park on the site of the now-defunct expo in 1976.

The Ocean Expo Park was designed around the theme of "Sun, Flowers, and the Sea," making it suitable for Okinawa. The original aquarium served as the facility representing the "sea" aspect of the park and became a popular spot that many people enjoyed visiting. However, due to aging facilities, it closed in August 2002, and a new aquarium, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, opened in November of the same year. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium has been certified as a registered museum.

■ Basic Policy of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is designed to showcase the rich natural environment of Okinawa's seas, creating a space for encounters with a diverse range of aquatic life that inhabit the southwestern islands and the Kuroshio Current, under the theme of "Encounter with the Seas of Okinawa." Furthermore, it aims to respond accurately to the needs of the times as an important base for the formation of national and international tourism and resort areas, focusing on the "sea," which symbolizes the attractive nature of Okinawa, while striving to create a facility with high appeal and a quality aquarium that leverages its unique features.

■ Attractions of the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
- A panoramic view of Kuroshio fish through a massive acrylic panel
The large tank is home to various colorful fish, including a whale shark measuring 8.8 meters in length and a manta ray. The impressive view is made possible by a giant acrylic panel that stands 8.2 meters tall, 22.5 meters wide, and 60 centimeters thick. Experience the excitement of being close to sharks, rays, and other migratory fish of the Kuroshio Current.

- Continuously setting new records for the long-term care of whale sharks
Since March 1995, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (previously known as the National Okinawa Memorial Park Aquarium) has been caring for whale sharks, continuously updating the world record for their long-term captivity. By studying the still-mysterious biology of whale sharks through long-term care, the aquarium takes on the challenge of unveiling their secrets with this pioneering endeavor.

- The largest collection of mantas! The world's top breeding records
The beautiful manta ray swims gracefully in Okinawa's azure waters. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium was the first in the world to successfully breed multiple species of the ocean's largest ray, the manta ray, as well as to keep them in captivity. Come and see the majestic appearance of mantas, made possible by a large tank and a system that continually supplies fresh seawater.

- Large-scale coral breeding replicating the seas of Okinawa
At Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, water drawn from the ocean is abundantly used in the tanks. In the "Coral Sea" tank, which showcases Okinawa's beautiful seas, we have removed the roof to allow natural light to flood in, exhibiting corals in a large 300m³ tank. Most of the corals have been cultivated over more than ten years. Here, fish that inhabit coral reefs swim actively, helping to control the growth of algae and sea anemones that may hinder coral growth. Enjoy the natural appearance of corals as they thrive in their underwater habitat.

- The unknown ecology – recreating Okinawa's deep sea!
The deep sea is mysterious, much like outer space. Did you know that many mysterious creatures inhabit the beautiful sea floor surrounding Okinawa? In this section, you can see deep-sea creatures living at depths of 200 to 700 meters. You will be able to observe rare and difficult-to-care-for creatures, including hamadai, nagatachi-kamasu, and luminescent shrimp. Additionally, there are visual and panel displays explaining the deep-sea environment and the life living within it.