Shimoda Aquarium (located at 3-22-31 Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture; General Manager: Mitsuki Keino) announces the start of an exhibition featuring the southern marine snail species Cerithium echinatum on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

◇ Exhibition Overview

The exhibition of Cerithium echinatum (collected on Monday, May 11, 2026, by a fisherman from Minami-Izu, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture) began on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Cerithium echinatum inhabits warm waters of the Indian and West Pacific Oceans and has previously been recorded in Japan only in areas south of the Kii Peninsula. This individual, captured on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, may represent the first recorded sighting within the prefecture. Whether this occurrence is related to rising sea temperatures or the conclusion of the Kuroshio Current's large meander in April 2025 remains unclear at this time. After death or the conclusion of the exhibition, the specimen will be registered as a scientific specimen at the Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History.

[Exhibition Period] From July 1, 2026 (Wed)

[Exhibition Location] Umimeguri Hall (Izu Sea Life Pavilion)

[Species Identifier] Takehiro Sato (Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History)

[Collector] Masaharu Watanabe (Shokamaru)

[Capture Location] Nakaki, Minami-Izu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture, at a depth of 5 meters

◇ About Shimoda Aquarium

Opened in March 1967, Shimoda Aquarium is an experiential aquarium operated by Shimoda Aqua Service Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujita Kanko. It is a rare facility in Japan that utilizes a natural cove. The aquarium houses and exhibits marine animals such as dolphins, seals, sea lions, penguins, and otters, with a focus on species native to the waters around the Izu Peninsula. It features interactive programs such as feeding sessions and dolphin swimming experiences, offering visitors an exceptionally close encounter with marine life.

Location: 415-0023 3-22-31 Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Access: By train: Take a regular bus from Izu Kyuko Line's Izu-Kyū-Shimoda Station (7 minutes) or a taxi (5 minutes); walking takes approximately 25 minutes. By car: Approximately 40 km from Tsukigase IC on the Izu Chuo and Shuzenji Roads.

Official Website: https://shimoda-aquarium.com

◇ About Fujita Kanko

Fujita Kanko Co., Ltd., a pioneer in Japan's tourism industry, opened Hakone Yugawara Garden in 1948 and Tsubakiyama Villa (now Hotel Tsubakiyama Tokyo) in 1952, and was officially established as a company in 1955. The company aims to realize a rich and fulfilling society by maximizing the use of all corporate assets—including human resources and cultural properties—to provide restful spaces and warm hospitality to more customers. Through unique content and business development, it delivers new value that supports customers across various life stages and lifestyles.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event