Shikoku Aquarium, located in Utazu, Kagawa Prefecture, is currently holding "Shikoku Aquarium Art Gallery 2026," a rotating exhibition of works displayed throughout the facility by artists connected to Kagawa as well as artists whose work is themed around living creatures and nature.
The exhibition shares the appeal of culture and art from an aquarium's own perspective, aiming to bring new impressions to visitors.
Yoyoru's Acrylic Painting Exhibition "Mysterious Scenery"
From July 5 (Sun) to August 1 (Sat), 2026, the aquarium is holding an acrylic painting exhibition titled "Mysterious Scenery" (神秘の景) by the artist Yoyoru.
First-part exhibition display
The exhibition is presented in two parts: Part 1, "Dreams Seen in Blue," and Part 2, "Mystery Dwelling in Blue." Part 1 features 18 works of imaginary creatures inspired by whales and other sea life. Part 2 follows with 13 works themed around the folklore, legends, and mythological beings tied to the living creatures on display at the aquarium.
Second-part exhibition display
Yoyoru creates artwork themed around a world of blue night and the mysterious creatures that inhabit it. Drawn to worlds and beings that might exist somewhere, the artist expresses a unique worldview through the calming color "blue" and the shimmer of "gold."
Enjoy this fantastical world woven from calm and shimmer.
- Period: July 5 (Sun) – August 1 (Sat), 2026
- Location: Shikoku Aquarium, Main Building 2F, wall beside the slope
- Number of works: 18 in Part 1, "Dreams Seen in Blue"; 13 in Part 2, "Mystery Dwelling in Blue"
About Yoyoru
Born in Tokushima Prefecture.
Yoyoru creates works themed around a world of blue night and the mysterious and imaginary creatures that inhabit it, continuing to express this world through the calming color "blue" and the shimmer of "gold."
桜雨はると's Original Acrylic Art Exhibition "Colorful Sea Scenery"
From July 18 (Sat) to August 30 (Sun), 2026, the aquarium is holding an original acrylic art exhibition titled "Colorful Sea Scenery" (彩海の景) by animal artist 桜雨はると, who was born in Takamatsu City.
Exhibition display
Now in its second run following last year's exhibition, this showing displays colorful works that bring out the creatures' natural charm through delicate, realistic expression while also brightening the hearts of visitors. Some pieces use glitter paint so that their appearance changes depending on the viewing angle, while others use layered paint to create distinctive coloring — the works reveal new expressions when viewed from various angles, not just from the front. A number of pieces that were well received at the previous exhibition are also being displayed again, offering visitors a chance to "reunite" with them.
In addition, on August 1 (Sat) and 2 (Sun) during the exhibition period, a live drawing session showing the artist's works taking shape will be held at the Dolphin Hall.
It's a space where anyone, from children to adults, can feel excited. Please come and see it.
- Period: July 18 (Sat) – August 30 (Sun), 2026
- Location: Shikoku Aquarium, Dolphin Building 1F, Dolphin Hall wall
- Number of works: Approx. 20
Live Drawing by 桜雨はると
Referencing the aquarium's large tank "Watatsumi no Kei," the artist will draw a variety of creatures. Enjoy the aquarium's living creatures and the appeal of acrylic painting alongside the process of a fantastical artwork coming together.
- Dates: August 1 (Sat) and 2 (Sun), 2026
- Time: Approx. 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Location: Shikoku Aquarium, Dolphin Building 1F, Dolphin Hall
Original Postcard Set (5 Pieces) by 桜雨はると
A limited-quantity original postcard set (5 pieces) featuring 桜雨はると's works is on sale.
- Sales location: Shikoku Aquarium, Dolphin Building 1F, Information Counter
- Price: ¥1,000 (tax included)
- Sales end once stock runs out.
About 桜雨はると
Animal artist. Born in 2000 in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture.
Self-taught, the artist began drawing animals with colored pencils. Now working with acrylic paints under the theme of "living animal paintings," 桜雨はると expresses the natural vitality of animals.
Visitor Information
- Address: 4 Hamaichibancho, Utazu-cho, Ayauta-gun, Kagawa
- Regular hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last admission 5:30 PM)
- Extended evening hours: July 18 – August 10 and August 16 – 30: 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM (last admission 7:00 PM); August 11 – 15: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (last admission 8:30 PM)
- Admission: Adults (high school students and age 16+) ¥2,600; elementary and junior high school students ¥1,400; children (age 3 and up) ¥700; under age 3 free
- Access: Approx. 1 km from JR Utazu Station (approx. 12 min on foot); approx. 10 min from Sakaide I.C. or Sakaide-Kita I.C.
- Website: https://shikoku-aquarium.jp/
