In celebration of Children's Day on May 5th, Shimoda Floating Aquarium in Shimoda City, Shizuoka, is hosting a special exhibition centered on juvenile fish — young ones that recently "graduated" from Yogyo Aquarium, the world's first aquarium dedicated exclusively to juvenile fish.
Children's Day Special Exhibition
On March 14, 2026, Yogyo Aquarium (located at Suntomoon Kakita River, Oasis 3F, Fushimi 52-1, Shimizu-cho, Sunto-gun, Shizuoka) held its annual "Sotsugyoshiki" — a "fish graduation ceremony" in which fish that have grown from juveniles are officially recognized as full-fledged adults. The fish that completed this ceremony have since moved on to Shimoda Floating Aquarium as their next home, and the aquarium is celebrating their arrival with this themed exhibition.
Fish Moving from Yogyo Aquarium to Shimoda Floating Aquarium
Yogyo Aquarium specializes in raising and displaying juvenile fish — fish that have hatched relatively recently — to share the charm of their early life stages with visitors. Every March, fish that have grown significantly undergo the graduation ceremony, marking their transition to adulthood. Each year these graduates are transferred to aquariums across Japan and abroad.
This year, 42 fish from 17 species — including Aigo (rabbitfish), Hirame (Japanese flounder), Mejina (largescale blackfish), and Nanyoutsumebio (orbicular batfish) — have arrived at Shimoda Floating Aquarium. Having delighted visitors as juveniles at Yogyo Aquarium, these graduates are now beginning a new chapter at their new home in Shimoda.
Exhibition Details
Location: Special exhibition tank at the Marine Stadium entrance
Period: April 18, 2026 (Sat) – May 17, 2026 (Sun)
Featured fish: Sorasuzumedai (blue damselfish), Aigo (rabbitfish), Takanohadadai, Nami-matsukasa
Display species are subject to change without prior notice.
