AQUARIUM×ART átoa × SHARP CORPORATION: New 'Nature Technology' Experience Corner Launches at Kobe's Theater-Style Aquarium átoa

AQUARIUM×ART átoa (Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture; Director: Hiromi Nakayama, hereinafter "átoa") will launch a permanent exhibition titled 'Fragments of Nature' as part of its 5th-anniversary project, 'ELEMENTS: Forest of Spirits,' set to open on July 11, 2026. The exhibition will feature Sharp Corporation's (Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture; President, CEO: Tetsuji Kawamura, hereinafter "Sharp") 'Nature Technology™'—a biomimicry (※) initiative that draws inspiration from natural principles to develop innovative products and technologies. From Sharp's wide range of nature-inspired products, nine have been carefully selected to align with átoa's unique artistic vision. The exhibition aims to help visitors understand the perspective of learning from living organisms, how such insights are transformed into practical technologies, and appreciate the remarkable abilities of the original creatures.

We invite you to experience the charm of 'Nature Technology'—used in everyday products—and the fascinating organisms that inspired them, within átoa's one-of-a-kind space where art and living beings coexist in harmony.

This exhibition is the first major outcome of a corporate collaboration between átoa and Sharp, initiated in FY2025, focusing on mimicking the forms, functions, and capabilities of living organisms to advance technological development and innovation. In addition to this new exhibit, a joint research project analyzing jellyfish movement has already led to a scientific paper being accepted for publication in the specialized academic journal Journal of Aero Aqua Bio-mechanisms on May 29, 2026.

※ 'Biomimetics (Bio: life + Mimetics: imitation)'

A scientific and technological field that mimics the forms, functions, and abilities of living organisms to drive innovation in technology and product development.

Fragments of Nature: Products and explanations are displayed inside boxes mounted on boards featuring illustrations of the respective organisms. Some products can be touched directly, allowing visitors to physically experience the marvels of nature through technology.

Fragments of Nature Exhibition Highlights

・ From the 'flapping motion of the eagle owl' → 'Healing Fan Hane-Yasume': Recreates natural, gently fluctuating airflow

・ From the 'cross-sectional shape of an owl's wing' → 'Circulator fan': Achieves high airflow while maintaining quiet operation

・ From the 'wing structure of the butterfly Asagi-Madara' → 'Ceiling fan blades': Creates comfortable airflow that doesn't overcool hands and feet

・ From the 'structure of a cat's tongue' → 'Dust compression blade in vacuum cleaners': Compacts collected debris into a smaller volume

・ From the 'Fibonacci sequence in sunflower seeds' → 'Glass door of drum washing-dryers': Reduces uneven washing by approximately 50%

・ From the 'wing shapes of the golden eagle, albatross, and swift' → 'Propeller fan in air conditioner outdoor units': Increases airflow efficiency by 20%

・ From the 'grooming behavior of otters' → 'Hairbrush bristle design': Smoothly detangles hair tips

・ From the 'structure of polar bear fur' → 'Cover for refrigerator LED lights': Reduces glare while increasing internal illumination

・ From the 'gill structure of manta rays' → 'Drain filter in drum washing-dryers': Easily removes lint and debris

Product Reference: Sharp Official Website – Nature Technology

Sharp Official Website

Corporate Collaboration between Sharp and átoa

Living organisms have adapted to diverse environments on Earth, developing astonishing capabilities. Sharp, which seeks to create comfortable and eco-friendly products by learning from nature's efficient and sustainable principles, has entered into a joint development agreement with átoa in 2025, centered on the theme of biomimetics. átoa aims to convey the wonder and brilliance of living organisms' forms, functions, and abilities. By combining Sharp's expertise in translating biological functions into product development with átoa's deep understanding of living creatures, the two organizations are collaborating to maximize their respective strengths. The first year's research成果 has already been accepted as a scientific paper, awaiting public release.

Workshop by Sharp Members (held in August 2025)

・ Joint Development Agreement on Biomimetic Motion Technology (signed on May 23, 2025)

On May 29, 2026, the scientific paper titled 'Experimental Analysis of Jellyfish Swimming and Numerical Simulation of Vortex-Ring Flow for Bio-Inspired Blower Development' was accepted by the Journal of Aero Aqua Bio-mechanisms

Additionally, various collaborative events have been held, allowing many visitors to experience Nature Technology firsthand.

・ átoa × Osaka ECO: Student-Led Project 'Nature LAB – Future Design Inspired by Natural Laws'

Location: átoa Period: January 17 – February 24, 2025 Organizer: AQUARIUM×ART átoa Exhibition Cooperation: Sharp Corporation

・ Hands-on Workshop: 'Experience Technologies Inspired by Living Organisms!'

Location: átoa Period: August 19–21, 2025 Organizer: Sharp Corporation

Sharp's Nature Technology – Basic Information

'Nature Technology' is a registered trademark of Sharp Corporation.

'Nature Technology' is Sharp's proprietary approach based on biomimetics, systematically incorporating the structural and behavioral wisdom acquired by organisms through long-term evolution to improve and develop products. Since the development of an air conditioner outdoor unit propeller fan in 2008, this technology has been integrated into numerous Sharp products. Sharp will continue to sincerely engage with natural principles to develop technologies that enhance comfort in daily life.

・ Address: 3-1-72 Kitakamei-cho, Yao City, Osaka Prefecture 581-8585

・ Department: Core Technology Development Center, First Development Division, Nature Technology Group

・ Contact: nature.tech@sharp.co.jp

átoa Basic Information

・ Facility Name: AQUARIUM×ART átoa

・ Address: 7-2 Shinko-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0041, Kobe Port Museum 2F–4F

・ Access: Approximately 18-minute walk (about 1.4 km) south from 'Sannomiya Station' on any line

Port Loop (Kobe Bus) – Get off at 'Shinko-cho' bus stop

・ Website: https://atoa-kobe.jp

・ Business Hours: 10:00–19:00

・ Admission: Adults (junior high school and above) 2,600 yen, Elementary school students 1,500 yen, Toddlers (3 years and older) one free per adult, additional toddlers 500 yen each, Children under 3 free

* Business hours and admission fees may vary on certain days or during private events.

Operating Company: Aqua Ment Co., Ltd.