SKE48's Natsuki Kamata to Release First Children's Book, 'Asked the Aquarium Masters ~37 Discoveries That Will Make You Want to Visit~', on June 26th!

Kumon Publishing Co., Ltd. (President: Yoshinori Izumida) is pleased to announce the publication of a children's book co-authored by Natsuki Kamata, a member of SKE48 and active in various fields, and Minoru Shimomura, who has been involved in aquarium operations for many years. The book, titled 'Asked the Aquarium Masters ~37 Discoveries That Will Make You Want to Visit~', compiles discoveries that will deepen your love for aquariums and will be released on June 26, 2026.

Minoru Shimomura, aquarium specialist and current director of the Japan Monkey Centre, and Natsuki Kamata of SKE48.

Asked the Aquarium Masters ~37 Discoveries That Will Make You Want to Visit~

Aquariums, found not only near the sea or rivers but in various locations, can be enjoyed regardless of the season or weather. As facilities where you can observe diverse creatures up close, they are highly popular not only with children but also with people of all ages.

The authors of this book are Natsuki Kamata, an aquarium enthusiast and member of SKE48, an idol group based in Nagoya, and Minoru Shimomura, an aquarium master who has been involved in the establishment and operation of aquariums such as Kaiyukan and Sumida Aquarium, and served as the director of Kyoto Aquarium.

Kamata, who frequently visits aquariums in addition to her idol activities, directly interviewed the aquarium master to learn how creatures are cared for and what efforts are made in the exhibits.

This book, which compiles discoveries that will make you love aquariums even more, is a children's book that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. As you read, you'll find yourself thinking, 'I want to go to the aquarium soon.' It's a book that will inspire you to visit.

Comments from the Two Authors Have Arrived!

【Minoru Shimomura】

I share much of my experience and knowledge gained from my work in aquariums. I believe everyone who reads this book will definitely want to visit an aquarium.

【Natsuki Kamata】

In my 14th year as an idol, I will be publishing a book related to aquariums! I was fortunate to have a family that loved reading, and I grew up surrounded by books since childhood.

I am very happy and fortunate, both as a book lover and as a member of SKE48, to have this opportunity to write a book. Visiting aquariums with Mr. Shimomura, an aquarium master, explaining things was more enjoyable than ever before. When you learn one thing, you encounter many questions, and you want to know more. Aquariums are places filled with such charm.

I have compiled the excitement I felt through my research at aquariums into my own words. I hope this book will be a trigger for excitement for people of all generations! Please enjoy it along with the lovely illustrations and newly taken photographs.

Author Profiles

Minoru Shimomura (Shimomura Minoru) Born in Osaka Prefecture in 1965. Graduated from the Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University. Involved in the establishment of Kaiyukan, where he worked for over 30 years, primarily in creature husbandry. Subsequently involved in the establishment of Kyoto Aquarium and Sumida Aquarium. After serving as director of Kyoto Aquarium, he became the Director of Husbandry and Exhibition at Shikoku Aquarium in 2020. Since April 2024, he has been the Director of the Japan Monkey Centre.

His previous book is 'The World Only Aquarium Keepers Can See: Every Day is Full of Discovery and Emotion' (Published by Natsume-sha in 2024).

Natsuki Kamata (Kamata Natsuki)

Born August 29, 1996. From Aichi Prefecture.

Joined SKE48 as a 6th generation member in November 2012.

Achieved her first selection in the SKE48 22nd single 'Muishiki no Iro', released in January 2018.

Active in a wide range of fields, leveraging her hobbies such as manga, anime, literature, history, and shogi.

Book Details to be Gradually Released on Kumon Publishing's Official Note!

Leading up to the release date of June 26th, information will be updated sequentially on Kumon Publishing's official note. Special columns by Natsuki Kamata will also be published in five installments, so please take a look!

https://note.com/kumon_publishing/n/n7e267c5694cc

Book Information

Asked the Aquarium Masters: 37 Discoveries That Will Make You Want to Visit

Target Audience: Upper elementary school grades and up

Price: 1,600 yen + tax

Format: 46 size, 144 pages

ISBN: 978-4-7743-3950-4

Release Date: June 26, 2026 (scheduled)

About Pre-orders

Rakuten Books

https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18585945/

Amazon

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4774339504/

Orders can also be placed at bookstores nationwide.

【Apology】 From around 12:00 PM on March 30th, the price of this product was incorrect on some sales sites.

The price has now been corrected.

We sincerely apologize to customers who pre-ordered during that time.