The Art Aquarium Exhibition Saitama Super Arena 2026 opens at the Saitama Super Arena Exhibition Hall (1F) on March 25 (Wed) and runs through May 10 (Sun). This is the first time the exhibition has been held in Saitama Prefecture.
The exhibition features new works making their debut at this venue, along with one of Art Aquarium's signature pieces — the massive goldfish bowl "Cho-Oiran." Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of fantastical works starring a diverse array of goldfish.
The official website is available at: http://artaquarium.jp/exhibition_saitama/
Exhibition Areas
1. Enjoying the Diversity of Goldfish — "Kingyo Hinpyo" (Goldfish Judging)
Eighteen tanks come together to showcase a variety of goldfish. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful forms of different goldfish using the "uwami" (top-view) appreciation method that has been practiced since the Edo period. The elegant shadows cast by the goldfish on the bottom of the tanks are also worth seeing.
2. Soothed by the Sound of a Babbling Brook — "Kingyo no Taki / Kingyo no Ishidoro" (Goldfish Waterfall / Stone Lantern)
Water flows gently in cascading layers, creating what looks like a waterfall of goldfish. On either side stand stone lantern-inspired works, where the lantern's fire chamber becomes an aquarium and the goldfish inside flicker like flames.
3. Infinite Fantastical Light — "Utsushi Kingyo no Ma" (Mirror Goldfish Room) ※World Premiere
Aquarium works inspired by temari balls, lanterns, and paper lamps fill a room lined with mirrors on all four sides. The dreamlike lights extend infinitely, creating a mesmerizing experience.
4. A Symphony of Flowers and Goldfish — "Hanamai," "Kingyo no Suikoto," and "Kutani Gosai Kingyo"
"Hanamai" fills the space with an abundance of various flowers. "Suikoto" (water harp) expresses decorations seen in Japanese gardens using vivid blooms. "Kutani Gosai Kingyo" fuses the traditional craft of Kutaniyaki pottery with floral motifs.
5. A Fantastical View of the Goldfish World — "Giyamanrium"
In the Edo period, sparkling objects like glass and diamonds were called "giyaman." Multi-faceted tank works create an even more fantastical atmosphere for the space that the goldfish inhabit.
6. Rare Species in an Art Gallery Setting — "Kingyo Collection"
Rare goldfish breeds that are not often seen are displayed by type in an art gallery-like setting. With creative lighting, visitors can admire goldfish from various angles.
7. An Immersive Art Aquarium Pathway — "Chochinrium" (Paper Lantern Room)
Aquarium tanks modeled after traditional paper lanterns create an immersive street scene. Visitors are enveloped in the warm glow of Art Aquarium's lantern light and surrounded by fresh greenery.
8. A Collaboration with Ikebana — "Flowerrium"
A collaboration with ikebana artist Shogo Kariyazaki. The fusion of goldfish and flowers makes the space even more vibrant and colorful.
9. The Fusion of Natural Beauty and Goldfish — "Lotusrium / Kingyo no Chikurin" (Bamboo Grove)
Inspired by the lotus flower — a summer seasonal word in Japan — water drips from overlapping petals, conveying a sense of flowing water. Surrounding columns featuring swimming goldfish evoke a bamboo grove.
10. A Spectacular Giant Goldfish Bowl — "Cho-Oiran / Kutani Kingyo Hinpyo"
One of Art Aquarium's signature pieces, the giant goldfish bowl "Cho-Oiran," makes an appearance. Flanking it are "Kutani Kingyo Hinpyo" works crafted using the traditional Kutaniyaki pottery technique.
11. The Beauty of Japanese Tradition and the Four Seasons — "Mizukagami Emaki" (Water Mirror Scroll) ※World Premiere
A new aquarium work inspired by a picture scroll. The four seasons of Japan are projected in the background while goldfish swim gracefully within. Additionally, "Hire-naga Nishiki-goi" (ornamental koi with long fins) born in Saitama Prefecture glide through a water-basin-style tank. Visitors can enjoy both the silhouettes of the goldfish and the seasonal scenery reflected in the basin.
12. Japanese Art Through the Art Aquarium Lens — "Fujin Raijin" (Wind and Thunder Gods)
A new work featuring tanks evoking "wind" and "thunder," with "Fujin Raijin" imagery decorating the background for a dynamic display. The traditional Japanese art subject of Fujin and Raijin is reinterpreted as an Art Aquarium-style tank installation.
Collaboration with Saitama City
Saitama City Fragrance × Utsushi Kingyo
A fragrance inspired by Saitama City is used throughout the venue. Named "Urban Garden," it was chosen by a public vote and features a refreshing citrus and herb scent. An aroma spray will be available for purchase at the museum shop during the exhibition period.
Omiya Bonsai Museum — Goyo-matsu "Hikurashi" (Five-leaf Pine)
At the venue entrance, a replica of the five-leaf pine "Hikurashi" — a treasure held in the collection of the Omiya Bonsai Museum — is on display. This faithful reproduction of the museum's finest specimen was made under the supervision of the Omiya Bonsai Museum.
Photo Contest
During the exhibition period, a photo contest will be held on Instagram. Visitors are encouraged to submit photos taken inside the venue.
How to Enter:
- Follow the official Art Aquarium Instagram account: @artaquarium_official
- Post your photo with both hashtags: #artaquarium and #aasaitama2026
(Giving your photo a title is encouraged.)
Entry Period: March 25 (Wed) to May 10 (Sun), 2026
Prizes:
- Grand Prize (1 winner): Keyaki Hiroba gift certificate worth ¥10,000
- Excellence Prize (2 winners): Keyaki Hiroba gift certificate worth ¥5,000
- Special Prize (5 winners): Keyaki Hiroba gift certificate worth ¥1,000
Winners will be contacted via DM from the official Art Aquarium account.
About Art Aquarium
Art Aquarium is an immersive entertainment art experience in which aquarium works featuring swimming goldfish are staged with light, fragrance, and sound. It brings the Edo-period tradition of goldfish appreciation to life as a contemporary art form.
Since its inception in Tokyo in 2007, the exhibition has been held as a limited-time event in various locations across Japan. In August 2020, the first permanent museum opened in Nihonbashi, Tokyo; it later relocated to Ginza (8th floor of Ginza Mitsukoshi Annex, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) in May 2022, where it continues to operate today. The cumulative attendance since 2007 has reached 13 million visitors (as of October 2025).
Exhibition Overview
| Exhibition Name | Art Aquarium Exhibition Saitama Super Arena 2026 |
| Dates | March 25 (Wed) to May 10 (Sun), 2026 |
| Venue | Saitama Super Arena, 1F Exhibition Hall, 8 Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture |
| Access | 3-minute walk from Saitama-Shintoshin Station (JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Ueno-Tokyo Line [Utsunomiya Line / Takasaki Line]) |
| Hours | 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM) — subject to change |
| Closed | Open every day during the exhibition period (temporary maintenance closures may be announced on the official website) |
| Admission | General: Web ticket ¥2,200 / Door ticket ¥2,400; Student: Web ticket ¥1,800 / Door ticket ¥1,800 |
| Note | Up to 2 children (elementary school age and under) may enter free per paid adult ticket holder |
| Official Website | http://artaquarium.jp/exhibition_saitama/ |
| Official SNS | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artaquarium_official/ / TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artaquarium_tm_official / Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artaquarium1/ / X: https://x.com/artaquarium |
| Organizer | Art Aquarium Exhibition Saitama 2026 Executive Committee |
| Supported by | Saitama Prefecture, Saitama City, FM NACK5 |
