Japan exhibit news

I've been collaborating with Aquamarine Fukushima aquarium in Northern Japan for over 14 years.  It started when my friend and mentor Executive Director Yoshitaka Abe invited me to lead a team of biologists in 2001 for three months with the goal to develop concepts for "Kids Aquarium" venues.  He was inspired by the Splashzone exhibit 2000 at the Monterey Bay Aquarium of which I was intimately involved.

After meeting with the Governor with our completed document above, it resulted in US$10M funding.  This was sadly shelved upon 9/11.  Since then Mr. Abe has been able to phase in Kids exhibits starting in 2003 and I've had the honor to be involved with each.

The latest is the Satoyama Jomon Village section.  The theme is that of humans coexisting with nature as they did thousands of years ago in Japan during the Jomon Period.  It is under construction now and C&A was invited to join the team and participate with the final installation idea phase this May 2015 so off to Japan I went again.  I did some early concept work with Mr. Abe about a year ago, but it's almost done now - opening July 2015.

Above, the Satoyama zone is ringed with a tunnel for viewing

The river getting it's liner

C&A will return in July for the opening celebration.  Stand by for pics of the finished product and the party!  Abe always throws a good one...!