【Summer Fun: First in Central Japan】'Gyogyotto Sakanastar Exhibition' Opens in Toyohashi – Dive into the Charm of Fish and the Future of the Ocean

The hit TV program by Sakanakun is leaping from the screen to Toyohashi in Aichi Prefecture!

To commemorate the city's 120th anniversary, the 'Gyogyotto Sakanastar Exhibition' opens on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Toyohashi City Museum of Natural History. The exhibition features over 155 exhibits, including taxidermy specimens crafted by Sakanakun himself, vibrant original illustrations, and 3D scan data allowing visitors to explore the internal structures of fish. Designed to captivate audiences of all ages, the exhibition makes learning about the wonders of marine life and ocean environmental issues both fun and immersive. Here’s a firsthand look at the highlights and the opening ceremony.

Step Into Sakanakun's World: The Hit Show Comes to Toyohashi

Running for 58 days until September 6, 2025, the 'Gyogyotto Sakanastar Exhibition' is an offshoot of NHK’s popular show hosted by Sakanakun—a renowned ichthyologist, entertainer, and illustrator. The exhibition dives deep into the fascinating world of fish.

Previously showcased at ATC Gallery (Osaka), Nobeoka Castle & Naito Memorial Museum (Miyazaki), Item Ehime (Ehime), and Aquamarine Fukushima (Fukushima), the exhibition has drawn massive crowds—some venues welcomed 10,000 visitors in just two weeks. This marks its first-ever presentation in the Chubu region.

Uncovering Fish Secrets with 155 Exhibits

The TV program introduces fascinating fish as 'Sakanastars'—creatures so surprising they make viewers say 'Gyogyotto!'. Inside the museum, 155 exhibits including illustrations and taxidermy bring these charismatic Sakanastars to life, offering fun and educational insights into their unique ecologies.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a colorful array of fish head taxidermy. Specimens like Takibera and Sennendai, caught during the show, are so lifelike that guests are instantly captivated.

Don’t Miss the 4-Meter Whale Shark!

The centerpiece of the exhibition is a massive 4-meter-long whale shark taxidermy that commands attention. Its sheer scale brings visitors to a standstill. Also on display are taxidermy pieces created by Sakanakun, including the boxfish (Hako-fugu), pufferfish (Sazanamifugu), and the beloved fugu that inspired his iconic hat—both male and female specimens are shown.

These intricately crafted taxidermy pieces allow close observation of fine details like dorsal fins and mouth structures, evoking the graceful swimming motion of live fish. Nearby, don’t miss the 'Maboya-chan' tunicate specimen—and a special handmade Maboya created by Sakanakun’s mother!

Vibrant Illustrations Only Sakanakun Could Create

Sakanakun’s vivid, lively illustrations are a must-see. Works featuring creatures like the octopus (Madako), filefish (Umazurahagi), and wolf fish (Ookamiuo) are accompanied by his signature 'Look Here!' info panels, packed with fun facts.

For example, while the saying goes 'left for flounder, right for halibut,' there are actually left-facing halibut too. These surprising tidbits delight both children and adults alike.

Peek Into Fish Secrets with 3D Scans

The TV show uses CT scanning to uncover fish mysteries—and now, 3D scan data is on display. Skeleton images of moray eels and stone pufferfish appear on screens, and visitors can rotate them 360 degrees using a controller, revealing internal anatomy rarely seen in daily life.

More Than Fish: Learning About Marine Plastic Pollution

Another highlight is the exhibit on marine plastic pollution. Sakanakun refers to ocean plastic waste as 'Pla-gyomi,' presenting it not as trash but as a 'valuable resource and companion.'

Real-world items are on display: deep-sea debris collected by the manned submersible 'Shinkai 6500,' microplastics under 5mm, and plastic mistaken for food by marine animals. These tangible exhibits make the ocean crisis feel immediate and personal.

The message resonates with children too. After seeing a sculpture of a Thai fish made from plastic waste, one elementary student said, 'I hope people stop throwing trash into the ocean.'

Even the exhibit panels and captions use recycled paper from repurposed milk cartons, minimizing petroleum-based plastic use. Some areas use renewable energy—making the exhibition itself an eco-conscious event.

From the Gyogyotto Van to the Living Fossil: Endless Highlights

Beyond these, the exhibition features a mini-aquarium and other engaging displays. See the 'Gyogyotto-go,' the light truck Sakanakun rides on the show, and a clay model of the frog anglerfish featured in a July episode.

Near the exit, the museum showcases liquid-preserved specimens of male and female frilled sharks—'living fossils'—providing a powerful finale.

Japan is surrounded by ocean, home to over 4,500 fish species. This exhibition inspires visitors to reflect on what we can do to protect this rich marine heritage. Don’t miss Sakanakun’s heartfelt messages—experience them in person.

'An Ocean-Themed Summer to Remember': Opening Ceremony Held

On the morning of July 3, the opening ceremony began at 9:30 a.m.

Addressing around 150 sixth graders from Tenpaku and Futarikawa Minami elementary schools, Mayor Naoto Nagasaka said: 'The exhibition includes displays on marine plastic waste. Some plastics shown were already in the ocean before you were born—or even before I was born—and remain almost unchanged. Toyohashi actively promotes waste sorting. While you likely sort waste at home, if we don’t continue these efforts, marine life and our planet’s companions will suffer serious consequences. Please keep this in mind as you explore the exhibits.'

He also highlighted Toyohashi’s unique geography—bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and Mikawa Bay, with access to diverse marine environments like Mikawa Port and Shiohama tidal flats. 'Use this for summer homework projects. But more importantly, for all residents living between two seas, let this summer be a chance to reflect on the ocean, fish, and our environment.'

Finally, Meiyu Sasaki (6th grade, Tenpaku Elementary) and Kirito Shimizu (6th grade, Futarikawa Minami Elementary) joined the mayor in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

With the ribbon cut, the 'Gyogyotto Sakanastar Exhibition' officially opened. Ahead of summer break, many visitors arrived, hearts racing with excitement for the mysterious and enchanting world of fish.

<Event Overview>

Exhibition: 'Gyogyotto Sakanastar Exhibition – What Fish Teach Us About the Ocean'

Venue: Toyohashi City Museum of Natural History

Dates: July 3 (Fri), 2026 – September 6 (Sun), 9:00–16:30 (last entry at 16:00)

*During Night ZOO events: 9:00–16:00 (last entry at 15: