Are Living Creatures Disappearing? Special Exhibition 'What Can We Do to Protect Life? —Inspired by the Hotoke Dojo—' to Be Held!

AQUARIUM x ART átoa (hereinafter 'átoa'), a theater-style aquarium located in the port of Kobe (7-2 Shinko-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City), will host a special exhibition themed around the Hotoke Dojo, a species under conservation efforts, and other endangered species.

Do you know how many species go extinct each year?

During the age of dinosaurs, species went extinct at a rate of about one every 1,000 years. A century ago, one species disappeared annually. Today, however, it is estimated that as many as 40,000 species go extinct each year—that’s approximately 100 species per day. In Japan, too, many species are on the brink of extinction. The 'Hotoke Dojo' featured in this exhibition is one such example.

Hotoke Dojo

The Hotoke Dojo is a cold-water loach endemic to Japan and is now endangered nationwide. The population in Tanba City, Hyogo Prefecture, marks the westernmost edge of its habitat and is biologically significant and valuable.

This exhibition will showcase the Hotoke Dojo and introduce átoa’s conservation efforts, as well as actions individuals can take to protect endangered species. By viewing the Hotoke Dojo, we hope visitors will learn about the current situation and reflect on what they can do to help. This is a great opportunity to turn your attention to the nature around you.

Books related to the exhibition will be displayed at the exhibition booth. Additionally, the FOYER—where the exhibition is held—features a permanent collection of approximately 2,600 books on biology and nature, freely available for browsing. Why not visit to find inspiration for your summer school research projects?

【Event Overview】

1. Period: Saturday, July 18, 2026 – Sunday, August 30, 2026

2. Venue: átoa 3F FOYER Special Exhibition Booth

3. Admission: Free (regular átoa admission fee required separately)

4. Exhibited Species: Hotoke Dojo

*Exhibition may be discontinued without notice depending on the animal’s condition.

AQUARIUM×ART átoa

A theater-style aquarium where living creatures coexist with stage design and digital art. The facility is divided into eight original themed zones—such as caves and spirit forests—offering an immersive experience akin to scenes from movies or stage performances, where visitors can encounter approximately 170 species and 4,000 living creatures.

· Admission Fee: Adults ¥2,600, Elementary Students ¥1,500, Toddlers ¥500

· Business Hours: 10:00–19:00 (last entry at 18:30)

· Closed: None (except for maintenance days)

átoa Official Website