Summer Special Event: 'Sea and Stars Tanabata Exhibition' and Limited-Edition Fish Stamp 'Amanogawa Tengudai' Now Available! [Hiroshima Motomachi Aquarium]

Hiroshima Motomachi Aquarium (Director: Fumihiko Sato, Location: 6-78 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City, 7th Floor of Pasela) will host a special Tanabata-themed event titled 'Sea and Stars Tanabata Exhibition' starting Saturday, June 20, 2026.

The exhibition will feature the 'Grass Pufferfish' (Kusafugu), whose spotted pattern resembles stars scattered across the sky, displayed in the 'Milky Way Tank' located in the Forest (Seasonal Scenes) area. While the Grass Pufferfish can be observed year-round, they gather en masse along coastlines during this season to spawn. This display symbolizes a celestial reunion—wherein, in the sky, Orihime and Hikoboshi meet on Tanabata, while in the sea, the pufferfish gather to carry on life.

In addition, bamboo branches will be set up alongside the Milky Way tank, allowing visitors to write their wishes on tanzaku paper strips and hang them as decorations. Information panels will also explain the origins of Tanabata and the significance of tanzaku. Come enjoy the festive Tanabata decorations, each carrying heartfelt wishes.

Furthermore, the aquarium’s popular original 'Fish Stamp' (Gyoshuin) collection will introduce a limited-edition design: 'Amanogawa Tengudai'. Featuring a striking black-and-gold contrast, this design is a proud creation—don’t miss your chance to collect it during this special period.

Additionally, the beloved meerkats will receive a special treat: star-shaped food prepared by the aquarium staff, offered exclusively for four days leading up to Tanabata! Will they enjoy cucumbers and carrots shaped like stars just as much as their usual meals? Stay tuned!

This summer, enjoy a magical and uniquely Tanabata-inspired experience at Hiroshima Motomachi Aquarium, surrounded by marine life.

Event Overview

Event Name: Sea and Stars Tanabata Exhibition

Exhibition Period: Saturday, June 20, 2026 – Sunday, July 12, 2026

Location: Forest (Seasonal Scenes)

Featured Species: Grass Pufferfish (Kusafugu)

*Exhibits are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice depending on animal conditions.

Special Tanabata Event! Star-Shaped Meals for Meerkats

In celebration of Tanabata on Tuesday, July 7, visitors can observe staff feeding specially prepared star-shaped meals to the meerkats.

Event Period: Saturday, July 4, 2026 – Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Location: Meerkat Area, Forest (Seasonal Scenes)

Feeding Times: 1:30 PM / 5:30 PM

Limited-Edition Fish Stamp

The popular Fish Stamp, available as a souvenir for visitors, will feature a limited-edition design: 'Amanogawa Tengudai'. This special summer-only design will be available for a limited time.

The 'Amanogawa Tengudai' fish, which inspired the stamp, can be viewed in the 'Marine Kachofugetsu' (Sea’s Beauty of Nature) tank.

Sales Period: Saturday, June 20, 2026 – Sunday, August 30, 2026

Sales Location: Information Desk / Ticket Counter

Price: 300 JPY (tax included)

Hiroshima Motomachi Aquarium Facility Overview

Opened on October 31, 2025, on the 7th floor of Pasela in central Hiroshima City’s Credo Motomachi, the aquarium is a hands-on facility themed as a 'Museum of Water and Life'. It showcases approximately 200 species and 3,000 individual aquatic creatures. Divided into eight zones, it delivers surprise and emotion through theatrical spatial design incorporating scent, sound, light, and video.