Ise Sea Paradise (Zero Distance Aquarium Ise Sea Paradise) in Mie Prefecture is holding a special Respect for the Aged Day event from Tuesday, September 1 to Wednesday, September 30, 2026, spotlighting three 39-year-old "legends": a giant sawfish and two spotted seals named Eri and Sha. To thank the animals that have delighted visitors for so many years, the aquarium is offering feeding experiences not normally open to guests, along with limited-edition fish stamps and other goods available only during this month-long celebration.
Feed the Giant Sawfish from Behind the Scenes
For three days only, visitors can feed the aquarium's giant sawfish — the longest-kept giant sawfish in Japan — from the backstage area. Participants hand-feed the same mackerel that keepers normally use, one fish per person, for a rare chance to feed the giant sawfish as if stepping into a keeper's shoes.
Dates and Times
- September 18 (Fri): 11:00 AM
- September 20 (Sun): around noon
- September 22 (Tue): around noon
Exact times for September 20 and 22 will be announced on the official website.
Capacity: 5 people per day
Eligibility: Junior high school age and older
Location: Giant sawfish tank (please gather at the Fureai Fish Hall reception counter 5 minutes before the start time)
How to Join: Enter the lottery through the official Ise Sea Paradise LINE account (free) — see "How to Enter the Feeding Lottery" below
Feed Spotted Seal Eri or Sha in Person
For three days only, visitors can feed one of the aquarium's two 39-year-old spotted seals, Eri or Sha, directly. Interaction time and a commemorative photo opportunity follow the feeding, giving guests a special chance to thank the beloved "legend" seals in person during Respect for the Aged Day. Which of the two seals appears on any given day is a surprise.
Dates and Times
- September 19 (Sat): 12:50 PM
- September 21 (Mon, national holiday): 12:50 PM
- September 23 (Wed, national holiday): 12:50 PM
Capacity: 10 people per day
Eligibility: Elementary school age and older
Location: Goma-chan Pool, at the rear of Zero Distance Plaza (please gather 10 minutes before the start time)
How to Join: Enter the lottery through the official Ise Sea Paradise LINE account (free) — see "How to Enter the Feeding Lottery" below
How to Enter the Feeding Lottery
Both the giant sawfish and spotted seal feeding experiences are open by lottery through the Ise Sea Paradise official LINE account.
- Add the Ise Sea Paradise official LINE account as a friend.
- On the day of the event, enter the keyword posted at the aquarium entrance into the LINE chat.
- Tap the lottery button on the "feeding coupon" sent in response — results appear immediately.
- If selected, present the coupon at the relevant reception desk when the event begins; a staff member will mark it as used.
Lottery hours: 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM on the day of the event
Coupons marked "used" by guests themselves become invalid, as do coupons not presented before the start time.
Giant Sawfish Feeding Talk
The aquarium's giant sawfish feeding talk, normally held without advance notice, will run on a set schedule throughout the event. In addition to commentary from keepers, visitors can touch an actual sawfish "saw" (rostrum) specimen while learning about the animal's ecology and characteristics.
Period: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, September 1–30, 2026
No talk will be held on September 17 (Thu) due to the feeding experience. Talks are also scheduled on September 18, 20, and 22, the feeding experience days.
Time: From 11:00 AM (times for September 18, 20, and 22 will be announced on the official website)
Grandpa Seal Retrospective Photo Exhibit
A limited-time panel exhibit displays photos of Eri and Sha, the aquarium's 39-year-old spotted seals, from their early years through today. Visitors can look back on the two "legends'" growth in pictures and reflect on the years of affection they have earned from guests.
Period: September 15 (Tue) – September 30 (Wed), 2026
Location: Indoor passageway at Ise Sea Paradise
Limited-Edition 39th Celebration Goods
During the event, the aquarium is also selling limited commemorative fish stamps for the giant sawfish and spotted seals Eri and Sha, along with a photo-based capsule toy badge and a September-only AR photo frame.
Legends Assemble: 39th Anniversary Limited Fish Stamp
- Sale period: September 1–30
- Price: ¥300
- Location: Fureai Fish Hall reception counter
Original Photo Capsule Toy Badges
- Sale period: September 1–30
- Price: ¥200 (7 designs total)
- Location: Ise Sea Paradise original shop
September-Limited AR Photo Frame (Legends Version)
- Available: September 1–30
- Access: Scan the QR codes posted at 3 locations inside the aquarium
The aquarium also plans to announce another especially popular activity for this year's Respect for the Aged Day event at a later date.
Visiting Information
Facility: Zero Distance Aquarium Ise Sea Paradise
Address: 580 Futami-cho E, Ise, Mie Prefecture 519-0602
Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM) Hours may vary by season
Admission:
- Adults: ¥2,400–¥2,800 (price varies by day)
- Elementary and middle school students: ¥1,200
- Children aged 4 and up: ¥600
Official Website: https://ise-seaparadise.com/
