Shimoda Aquarium (Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture) is hosting a limited-time exhibition of colorful fish rubbings by artist Komoda Taijirou aboard its undersea boat, Aqua Dome Perry. Titled "Izu no Irodori Gyotaku-ten" (Izu Colorful Fish Rubbing Exhibition), the show runs from April 18 (Saturday) to June 14 (Sunday), 2026.
Fish Rubbings That Look as Though They Could Swim Away
Komoda Taijirou applied Chinese-derived rubbing techniques to create colorful fish rubbings using paint rather than the conventional ink. This approach allows the fish to be reproduced in their living colors, with every individual scale captured with vivid accuracy. The remarkably lifelike results have drawn attention as works of fine art.
Ten pieces are on display for this exhibition. A number of the subjects—including migimaki (striped beakfish) and akaei (red stingray)—can also be seen swimming in the aquarium's large tank, giving visitors the unique opportunity to view the artworks side by side with the actual creatures.
Exhibition Period: April 18 (Saturday) to June 14 (Sunday), 2026
Venue: Inside the undersea boat "Aqua Dome Perry"
About Komoda Taijirou
Komoda Taijirou (1940–2024) was born in Kawanoe City, Ehime Prefecture. From childhood, a passion for fishing grew into a talent for colorful fish rubbings (takuga). He studied under fish rubbing artist Takahashi Yoshihiko in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture.
In 2001, his work was featured on NTV's program "Takumi no Waza." In December 2004, he held the exhibition "Uo Yu Yu – Colorful Fish Rubbings by Komoda Taijirou" at the Paper Town Museum in Shikoku Chuo City, Ehime Prefecture.
He served as a lecturer at the Japan Handicraft Instruction Association and as a board member of the Shimoda Tourist Small Fishing Association. His publications include Uta to Gyotaku no Michishirube and Gyotaku Nikki Bassui.
