[Marine Work Experience 'Kodomo Work in Kobe 2026'] Experience being an aquarium keeper at átoa!

AQUARIUM×ART átoa (Chuo-ku, Kobe; hereafter 'átoa') will begin accepting applications on May 29, 2026, for a special experience program, 'Aquarium Keeper Experience,' as part of 'Kodomo Work in Kobe 2026,' organized by the Chiiki Mirai Sozo Center and planned/supervised by Actindi Inc. 'Kodomo Work in Kobe 2026' marks its 5th anniversary this year. In addition to popular annual programs, eight new programs, including submarine cable construction and the átoa experience, have been added. At átoa, students up to junior high school age can experience the work of an 'aquarium keeper,' including entering backstage areas and exhibition zones usually off-limits to the public, learning about animal ecology, cleaning tanks, and feeding the animals. We look forward to your participation. 'Kodomo Work in Kobe 2026' átoa Implementation Overview Name: Let's work as a keeper at the theatrical aquarium 'átoa'! Date and Time: July 31, 2026 (Friday) 9:00 - 12:30 Location: átoa Target: 6th grade elementary school students to 3rd grade junior high school students Capacity: 5 people (Minimum 1 person) *Lottery system Fee: 6,000 JPY (tax included) Official Website: https://kodomowork.net/kobe/2026 *Elementary school students must be accompanied by one guardian. (Separate admission fee required on the day) Due to space limitations, siblings cannot accompany the participant. *Please wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty or wet as you will be performing keeper tasks. *Sandals are not allowed. *You will wear the átoa uniform (top and bottom) during the work. If the uniform size does not fit, you may be asked to participate in your own clothes. *Experience content may change depending on the condition of the animals. How to Apply 1. Find the desired program on the official website (https://kodomowork.net/kobe/2026). 2. Click 'Apply Here' on the program's recruitment page. 3. Purchase the ticket according to the instructions to complete the application. 3. Apply for the lottery according to the instructions. 4. The secretariat will notify you of the lottery results via email. 5. If selected, purchase the ticket via the URL provided in the email to complete the application. Schedule for the Day 9:00 - 9:15 Reception & Orientation Changing into uniforms, briefing on precautions and schedule. 9:15 - 10:25 Keeper Experience Start! Tank cleaning, food preparation, feeding experience... Challenge yourself with cleaning tanks and preparing food tailored to the animals! Meet animals like the Aldabra giant tortoise living at átoa. 10:25 - 10:40 Break (approx. 15 min) 10:40 - 12:30 Explanation by keepers Learn more about animal ecology and the backstage of átoa through explanations by keepers. Project Overview 'Kodomo Work in Kobe' is an initiative that began in 2022 as part of a 'Business Partnership Agreement on Marine Human Resource Development' with Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, and is celebrating its 5th year. Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@kodomowork/videos Official Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/kodomowork/?hl=ja Organization Overview Project Organizer: Chiiki Mirai Sozo Center Activities: Implementation of 'Marine Work Experience' themed on real jobs. Planning Cooperation / Grant: The Nippon Foundation https://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/ * 'Kodomo Work in Kobe 2026' is a grant project of The Nippon Foundation. Planning & Supervision: Actindi Inc. URL: https://iko-yo.net/ Activities: Child-rearing support business (internet information services, event business). [AQUARIUM×ART átoa] A theatrical aquarium where aquariums where animals live are fused with stage art and digital art. The museum is divided into eight creative themes such as caves and spirit forests, where you can meet about 4,000 animals of about 170 species in a space that looks like a scene from a movie or stage. - Admission: Adults 2,600 JPY, Elementary students 1,500 JPY, Infants 500 JPY - Hours: 10:00 - 19:00 (Last entry 18:30) - Closed: None (Maintenance days exist) Official Website: https://atoa-kobe.jp/