[Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium] 'Deep Sea Exploration Room' Reopens After Renewal

On March 19, 2026 (Thursday), the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (Location: Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture; Director: Keiichi Sato) reopened the 'Deep Sea Exploration Room,' an exhibition area located in the aquarium's deep-sea corner.

Our aquarium is engaged in research on deep-sea organisms in the waters surrounding Okinawa, including biodiversity surveys using ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles), the development of rearing technologies, and captive breeding.

This renewed exhibition presents the latest efforts in deep-sea research in an easy-to-understand manner, including rearing trials of deep-sea creatures collected during surveys and the growth status of captive-bred individuals. Furthermore, through the research process of 'exploring,' 'rearing,' and 'understanding' deep-sea life, visitors can experience the forefront of research and gain a glimpse into our activities.

This is a new exhibition area that conveys the fascination of creatures living in the mysterious deep-sea environment and the depth of the research challenging to elucidate them.

《 Exhibition Contents 》

・Rearing test tank for Japanese lanternshark raised with an artificial womb device

We are conducting rearing tests on a one-year-old Japanese lanternshark (Etmopterus pusillus) raised using an artificial womb device developed by our aquarium.

・Experimental tank for the *Odontanthias* sp. (Taski-sakuradai)

Regarding the *Odontanthias* sp., which was reported as a first record species in Japan in 2025, we are conducting rearing research aimed at elucidating its ecology.

・Introduction to potentially undescribed deep-sea invertebrates

We are exhibiting invertebrates collected during our deep-sea surveys that have not yet been given a Japanese name, and are proceeding with morphological and genetic studies.

・Rearing tank for our captive-bred individuals

※ Please note that the exhibition contents may change depending on the condition of the animals.

■ About Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a base facility that leads sustainable tourism and regional development in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa. Based on the concept of reproducing Okinawa's biodiversity, and under the theme of 'Encounters with the Okinawan Sea,' we reproduce and exhibit the diverse ecosystems thriving in the Nansei Islands and the Kuroshio Current, and play a role in passing on their value to the next generation. To achieve this goal, we independently promote research on the conservation and breeding of rare species as well as advanced research on biodiversity, and provide high-quality educational opportunities based on scientific knowledge to everyone. Note that 'Chura' in the name means 'beautiful' or 'refined' in the Okinawan language and symbolizes our philosophy.

※ Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a facility of the National Okinawa Memorial Park (Ocean Expo Park) and is managed and operated by the Okinawa Churashima Foundation (URL https://churashima.okinawa/).

■ About Ocean Expo Park

Ocean Expo Park is a national park where you can experience Okinawa's 'sun, flowers, and sea.' It features a variety of facilities including the 'Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium,' which is themed on 'Encounters with the Okinawan Sea'; the 'Tropical Dream Center,' where you can enjoy subtropical plants; the 'Oceanic Culture Museum,' which shares the history and culture of maritime peoples in the Pacific region and Okinawa; and 'Okinawan Village,' which conveys local culture.