TSURUOKA, YAMAGATA PREF. ¨C An aquarium in Yamagata Prefecture boasting the world¡¯s largest collection of jellyfish has welcomed back visitors after a revamp, adding even more species to its exhibits.
Reopened just this month, the Tohoku Epson Aquarium Kamosui in the city of Tsuruoka, gained 20 more jellyfish species, now exhibiting a total of 100 species.
¡°We¡¯re now able to accommodate the needs of all kinds of visitors, including those who want to be soothed by watching jellyfish and those wanting to observe the creatures up close,¡± said Kazuya Okuizumi, head of the aquarium. ¡°We hope that people enjoy their time here in whatever way they want.¡±
The aquarium opened in 1964. Concern about its survival grew in the late 1990s when the annual number of visitors fell below 100,000. By shifting its focus to its jellyfish exhibits, it enjoyed a rise in popularity. In 2012, the aquarium was recognized by Guinness World Records for having the world¡¯s largest collection of jellyfish species.
Even after a further expansion in 2014, the facility became too cramped for programs related to jellyfish breeding technologies. Following a five-month closure related to another renovation, the aquarium opened its doors to visitors once again on April 1.
The renovated aquarium now features a new research building for the stable breeding of jellyfish and six massive new tanks. It also showcases jellyfish species of many different sizes, ranging from those only 1 millimeter in width to those that are 30 centimeters wide. They include some rare species that have never been showcased at any aquarium in Japan.
The improved aquarium also features a new area where people can observe tiny jellyfish using microscopes and magnifying glasses. Posters handwritten by keepers provide visitors with further insights into the creatures.
An event was held on March 31, the day before the aquarium¡¯s official reopening, with guests including staff of the Aquarium de Paris in France and the Sumida Aquarium in Tokyo.
¡°We can¡¯t believe that we reached 50, let alone 100,¡± Okuizumi said of the number of showcased jellyfish species. ¡°We¡¯ll strive to continue with our efforts to improve our exhibits.¡±
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