Aquaworld Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium, known for its diverse shark collection, is introducing its first major show renewal since opening. The new Dolphins and Sea Lions Ocean Live performance, titled "WOOOOARAI! – A Story of Encounters Begins Here," debuts on March 12, 2026 (Thursday).
The renewed show features synchronized twin jumps performed by dolphins and sea lions together for the first time. A newly installed giant screen (5 meters tall by 9 meters wide) in the Ocean Theater displays coordinated video productions, while live camera feeds from multiple angles capture moments invisible from the audience seats, blending reality with storytelling.
For details, visit: https://www.aquaworld-oarai.com/2026/02/19/oceanlive_renewal/
Location: 4th Floor, Ocean of Surprises Zone, Ocean Theater
Date: Starting March 12, 2026 (Thursday)
Show times vary by day. Please check the website for details. (Approximately 25 minutes per session)
Content is subject to change depending on animal conditions.
Message Behind the Ocean Live Renewal
This Dolphins and Sea Lions Ocean Live renewal represents the aquarium's first major undertaking since opening, providing an important opportunity to reconsider the show's fundamental approach. The redesign started from the question of how to better showcase the animals' appeal and characteristics to visitors while respecting the relationship between trainers and marine life. The new performance highlights the animals' natural abilities and the bonds developed over time, allowing guests to experience their depth of charm and high capabilities.
Twin Jump Debut: Dolphins and Sea Lions in Perfect Synchronization
The Ocean Live's strength has always been the dynamic performances of bottlenose dolphins and the comical acts of California sea lions, experienced up close with remarkable presence. The show also showcases the unity born from the animals' physical abilities and their trust with trainers. This renewal polishes these strengths while reconstructing the performance as a "Story of Encounters," where the narrative progresses through meetings between animals, trainers, and guests rather than a simple sequence of acts.
Close-Up California Sea Lion Performance
The new Ocean Live opens with the sea lion segment. A solo California sea lion makes a powerful first impression, showcasing diverse performances including handstands and spins while incorporating audience interaction themed around encounters and connection. The segment highlights both charm and physical prowess through close-range performances and live camera footage delivering immersive visuals.
Dynamic Dolphin Segment Leading to the Climax
The dolphin segment energizes the venue with powerful jumps and water-splashing performances. Close-range performances allow guests to feel the bottlenose dolphins' strength and grace firsthand. The climax features a combined performance by bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. As the audience joins through applause and gestures, the animals perform synchronized twin jumps together. This culmination condenses the show's highlights, emphasizing the animals' individuality and relationships.
Giant Screen Enhances Ocean Live Appeal
The renewal introduces a massive screen (5 meters tall by 9 meters wide) to the front of Ocean Theater, evolving the performance. Synchronized with the animals' movements, projected visuals depict underwater worlds and narrative elements, conveying the performance's appeal more richly. Additionally, live feeds from cameras positioned throughout the venue and action cameras held by trainers display movements and expressions difficult to see from seats in real-time. Projecting audience reactions enhances the venue's sense of unity.
The giant screen functions not merely as a supplementary device but as another stage fusing with the performance. The overlay of performance and visuals creates depth in the Ocean Live, allowing each visitor to experience the atmosphere firsthand.
Souvenir Shop "Mola Mola" Renewed as "Thrilling New Sea World"
The souvenir shop "Mola Mola," which has served visitors since Aquaworld Oarai's 2002 opening as a destination for commemorative and souvenir purchases, is also reopening with a renewed design. The new shop features gray-toned interiors accented with natural wood textures, creating a carefully curated space. Sketches and silhouettes of the aquarium's exhibited animals are scattered throughout, allowing visitors to enjoy leisurely shopping while savoring the afterglow of their visit.
Shop Location: 3rd Floor, Marketplace (Free Zone)
Renewal Opening: March 12, 2026 (Thursday), 10:00 AM
The shop handles approximately 2,500 items including confections, plush toys, and miscellaneous goods. Various products feature the shark, Aquaworld Oarai's signature animal, and many original plush toys supervised by the aquarium's keepers are available. Visitors can spend exciting moments in this "Thrilling New Sea World" that shapes memories of their aquarium experience.
Aquaworld Oarai Keeper-Supervised Original Plush Toys (Selection)
New original merchandise debuts with the renewal opening, including a 2-meter-long "Giant Sand Tiger Shark Plush" (35,000 yen including tax) and the aquarium's first keeper-supervised "Ocean Sunfish Plush" (2,750 yen including tax).
A giant plush of the sand tiger shark, which the aquarium has successfully bred domestically as the only facility in Japan, makes its debut. At 2 meters long, its impressive presence evokes the real animal. Price: 35,000 yen (including tax)
The shop's name derives from the ocean sunfish's scientific name (Mola mola). Commemorating the renewal opening, the aquarium's first keeper-supervised "Ocean Sunfish Plush" goes on sale. Price: 2,750 yen (including tax)
For details, visit: https://www.aquaworld-oarai.com/2026/02/19/oceanlive_renewal/
All images in this release are for illustrative purposes.
