First “Oriental Zodiac Sign Exhibition” at Kobe’s aquarium atoa, including a type of dragon that creates mirages

　On December 27, the urban aquarium “atoa” (7 Shinko-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe; TEL 078-771-9393 ) in Kobe’s Shinko-Tsuttei opened the “Fish Related to the Dragon” exhibition for the Chinese zodiac in 2024.

Mirage” of a giant clam popular in the Edo period (1603-1867)

　The exhibition is designed to familiarize visitors with sea creatures associated with the Chinese zodiac sign of the year “Tatsu” (dragon), and features three species of creatures in the “FOYER/Exploration Room” on the third floor, with an aquarium and explanatory panels.

　At the front of the exhibition area, a Nishikigoi carp is displayed in reference to the legend of the Dragon Gate, in which a dragon is said to become a dragon after ascending the rapids of the Dragon Gate. The carp is said to be a lucky fish and is believed to bring good luck in money, success in life, health, and love, so it is introduced as a “dragon” that is also appropriate for the beginning of the year.

　The aquarium tank on the right side displays the “Horyu,” a variety of goldfish produced in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture. The Chinese character for “horyu” is “horyu,” and in China, a goldfish with a protruding eye is called “ryuji” (dragon’s eye), so this goldfish is presented as a “dragon” that is also associated with Hyogo Prefecture.

　In the tank on the left is a large clam named “mirage,” a type of dragon that is said to breathe out air and create mirages. The layout of the tank was also created with reference to the “mirage” in Toriyama Sekien’s “Konjaku Hyakki Shui” (One Hundred Demon Picks of Ancient Times), as “mirages” of large clams creating a mirage were popular during the Edo period.

　Director Hiromi Nakayama says, “This year has been full of bad news since New Year’s, but we hope that visitors will take their time to look at the fish related to the dragon and enjoy the New Year’s spirit at the aquarium.

　The aquarium is open from 10:00 to 20:00. Admission is 400 yen for adults (junior high school students and older), 1,400 yen for elementary school students, 800 yen for infants (3 years and older), and free for children under 3 years old until January 28.