Minato Science Museum (Location: Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo; Director: Naoto Fuse) will hold a special exhibition titled "Shapes of Marine Life" from Wednesday, July 15 to Sunday, September 13, 2026.
This exhibition will use the familiar seas of Minato Ward as an entry point, introducing the diverse shapes of marine life living in various environments through specimens, models, videos, and interactive exhibits, and exploring how these shapes relate to their lifestyles and environments. The sea is home to many creatures that make us wonder, "Why do they have such a shape?" Their distinctive appearances, such as wide, flat heads, protruding eyes, and fin-like appendages resembling ears, hide various ingenious adaptations that support their respective ways of life.
The venue will feature a life-sized model of the world's largest ray species, the giant oceanic manta ray, measuring over 5 meters in length. Additionally, there will be an enlarged model of the deep-sea fish barreleye, which has eyes within its transparent head, produced specifically for this exhibition, as well as a color-preserved specimen of the dumbo octopus, retaining its original colors and textures, showcasing marine life that is rarely seen in everyday life.
During the exhibition period, lectures will be held with Mr. Masato Mogi, the supervisor of this exhibition, and Ms. Chihiro Kinoshita, who created the illustrations, as lecturers. Numerous related events are also planned. This exhibition will allow visitors of all ages, from children to adults, to be amazed by the diverse "shapes" of marine life and contemplate the meanings embedded in their forms and their connection to the environment.
【Exhibition Overview】
1. Exhibition Name: Minato Science Museum 2026 Summer Special Exhibition "Shapes of Marine Life"
2. Organizer: Minato Science Museum
3. Supervisor: Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Marine Science Museum
4. Cooperating Institutions: Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Marine Science Museum; Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History and Science; Fushigi Hakubutsukan; Aqua World Oarai Aquarium; Sunshine Aquarium; Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC); NPO Science and Art; Tokyo City University Paleontology Laboratory; Okhotsk Ryuhyo Science Center Foundation; Toba Aquarium
and others (in no particular order, titles omitted)
5. Dates: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 – Sunday, September 13, 2026 (Total 60 days)
[Closed on Monday, August 24 during the exhibition period]
6. Venue: Minato Science Museum Multipurpose Lobby
1. Exhibition Structure
The "Shapes of Marine Life" summer special exhibition is composed of three sections: "Prologue: The Variety of Marine Life Shapes," "Main Part: What is This Shape For? ~The Forms of Marine Life~," and "Epilogue: Want to Know More, Want to Share."
Prologue: The Variety of Marine Life Shapes
What kind of marine world lies beyond Tokyo Bay, visible from Minato Ward? In front of the Minato Science Museum, where Minato Ward is located, lies the relatively shallow and wide Tokyo Bay. In the prologue, using this familiar sea as an entry point, we will expand our view from shallow seas to wide oceans and deep seas, introducing the diverse environments that spread across the ocean and the creatures with various "shapes" that inhabit them.
Furthermore, through a large-scale graphic of a marine cross-section by marine illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita, we will trace the expanse of the marine world and the forms of its inhabitants. The diverse "shapes" of marine life are deeply connected to their ways of life in the sea and their surrounding environments. Let's observe the world of marine life with the perspective of "Why is it this shape?"
Marine Cross-Section Large Graphic ©Chihiro Kinoshita
Main Part: What is This Shape For? ~The Forms of Marine Life~
Marine life has evolved into diverse "shapes" to suit their respective lifestyles. Transparent heads, wide-opening mouths, wing-like fins, and appearances that mimic seaweed. Even shapes that seem strange at first glance hide reasons for survival such as eating, finding food, self-defense, and movement. In the main part, we will focus on creatures living in different environments – deep sea, wide ocean, and shallow/familiar seas – and introduce how their respective "shapes" are useful. Through specimens, models, videos, and interactive exhibits, visitors can experience the joy of observing marine life from the perspective of "Why is it this shape?"
Creatures Encountered in the Deep Sea
In the deep sea, where light barely reaches and opportunities to encounter prey are limited, live creatures with forms beyond our imagination. This area will showcase the diverse "shapes" of creatures living in the unique deep-sea environment, featuring species such as barreleye, gulper eel, dumbo octopus, vampire squid, black scabbardfish, and anglerfish. Furthermore, through column exhibits on bone-eating worms and whale fall communities, and video exhibits of creatures like the Venus' flower basket and comb jelly, we will delve into the little-known world of the deep sea.
1. Barreleye
A deep-sea fish with a peculiar appearance, featuring tubular eyes within its transparent head. It is believed that the eyes within its head help it detect faint light from above or the shadows of prey. Its unique form will be introduced through a model and video.
(Model: Fushigi Hakubutsukan / Video cooperation: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute)
2. Dumbo Octopus
A deep-sea creature characterized by its round, flattened body and ear-like fins. The color-preserved specimen on display allows observation of its original red coloration and soft texture. Pay attention to the structure of its body, which allows it to float gently in the deep sea. (Specimen: Sunshine Aquarium)
3. Gulper Eel
A deep-sea fish with an extremely large mouth relative to its slender body. In the deep sea, where opportunities to find food are scarce, its body structure allows it to capture and swallow any prey it encounters. The contrast between its body and mouth size is a must-see.
(Model: Fushigi Hakubutsukan)
4. Giant Spider Crab
Known as one of the world's largest crabs, it inhabits the deep seas off the coast of Japan. Its imposing appearance with long, spider-like legs invites contemplation of its relationship with its deep-sea habitat.
(Specimen: Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Marine Science Museum)
Barreleye (Model) Dumbo Octopus (Specimen) Gulper Eel (Model) Giant Spider Crab (Specimen)
Creatures Encountered in the Wide Ocean
The vast ocean, known as the open sea, is home to many large creatures that travel long distances and gather large amounts of food. This area will feature the giant oceanic manta ray, ocean sunfish, oarfish, and narwhal, as well as the Earth's largest animal, the blue whale, and the sea angel, clione. Attention will be drawn to the distinctive "shapes" that each creature has acquired to survive in the wide ocean.
1. Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
A species of ray exceeding 5 meters in length, the largest in the world. A life-sized model will be displayed in the center of the lobby. Its large pectoral fins and mouth fins, which spread wide, can be observed as adaptations for efficiently gathering plankton.
(Model: Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History and Science)
2. Ocean Sunfish
A large fish characterized by its round, flattened, disc-like body. Its body shape differs significantly from that of typical fish, and its function is still a subject of ongoing research.
(Specimen: Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Marine Science Museum)
3. Oarfish
A deep-sea fish with a silvery, slender body and red fins. Live specimens are rarely observed, and its mysterious appearance has led to it being called the "messenger from the Dragon Palace."
(Model: Fushigi Hakubutsukan)
4. Narwhal
A marine mammal inhabiting the Arctic seas. Its long, tusk-like appendage is actually a tooth, and its function remains largely a mystery.
(Model: Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Marine Science Museum)
Ocean Sunfish (Specimen) Oarfish (Model) Narwhal (Model)
Creatures Encountered in Shallow and Familiar Seas
The peculiar "shapes" of marine life are not only found in the distant deep sea but also in our familiar coastal waters. This area will exhibit species such as the humphead wrasse, hammerhead shark, ornate spiny lobster, paper nautilus, and shark egg cases. Interactive exhibits that allow visitors to see and touch, such as camouflage experiences using leafy seadragons, mimic octopuses, and leaf-shaped crabs, as well as a tactile exhibit of shark skin, will also be available.
1. Hammerhead Shark
Characterized by its head that spreads sideways like a hammer. It is believed that the head, which houses numerous sensory organs for detecting prey, also provides a wide field of vision.
(Specimen: Tokyo City University Paleontology Laboratory)
2. Humphead Wrasse
Also known as the "Napoleon Wrasse." As it grows, a large hump appears above its eyes, and it has thick lips. This hump is thought to be used for attracting females, and its distinctive appearance can be observed in a large model exceeding 1 meter.
(Model: Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History and Science)
3. Ornate Spiny Lobster
Characterized by its flat, cracker-like body and plate-like antennae. It lacks large claws and hides among rocks and on the seabed, utilizing its flat body and antennae to conceal itself.
(Specimen: Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Marine Science Museum)
Humphead Wrasse (Model) Ornate Spiny Lobster (Specimen)
Epilogue: Want to Know More, Want to Share
The marine life encountered through the exhibition holds many more discoveries within their peculiar "shapes." The epilogue will conclude the exhibition by further broadening interest and curiosity about the marine world.
Throughout the venue, mini-cards featuring "Marine Life Trivia" will be displayed, introducing surprising facts and astonishing ecologies related to marine life. By searching for these mini-cards while touring the exhibition, visitors can enjoy discovering various hidden aspects of the marine world, enhancing the overall flow and engagement of the exhibition.
Additionally, the "Marine Creature Popularity Poll" will allow visitors to vote for the marine creatures they found intriguing in terms of shape and appearance from those encountered in the exhibition. This provides an opportunity to reflect on which creatures captured their attention and to reconsider the "shapes" and attractions of each.
Furthermore, a book corner featuring books on marine life and marine environments will allow visitors to deepen their learning based on the questions and interests sparked by the exhibition. Reflecting on the discoveries and questions gained from the exhibition, visitors can explore the diverse "shapes" of marine life and further deepen their interest and understanding from the perspective of "Why is it this shape?"
2. Related Events
The following related events will be held during the exhibition period. Please check the website for other related events.
Table Science (※) "Let's Make a Chomping Shark!"
(※) Table Science refers to short, enjoyable experiments and craft programs that can be done at a table.
Content:
Challenge shark quizzes while making a shark with a chomping mouth! What shape are shark teeth? Learn through fun crafts.
Date and Time: Held daily during the exhibition period, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last entry 5:45 PM)
Duration: Approximately 15 minutes
Location: Multipurpose Lobby
Capacity: Approximately 5 people per session
Target Audience: All ages (Children in 3rd grade of elementary school and younger must be accompanied by a guardian aged 18 or older)
Application Method: No reservation required (accepted on a first-come, first-served basis)
Participation Fee: Free
Lecture: "Learning Shapes of Marine Life Through Illustrations"
Lecturer: Dr. of Agriculture / Illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita
Specializing in behavioral ecology and diving physiology of marine animals such as sea turtles, she graduated from the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo. After working as a Research Fellow (PD) of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, she has been active as an illustrator since 2023. She conveys the ecology and behavior of living things through easily enjoyable illustrations, with published works including "Illustrated Encyclopedia of Animal Ecology Based on Latest Research" and "Pokemon Ecology Encyclopedia."
She is responsible for the main visual of the Minato Science Museum's special exhibition, as well as the illustrations of marine life featured in the exhibition.
Content:
Ms. Chihiro Kinoshita, who is responsible for the exhibition's illustrations, will serve as the lecturer, introducing the fascinating shapes of marine life and points to observe when drawing them.
On the day, participants will also have the opportunity to observe a young sea turtle specimen and practice drawing the shape and patterns of its shell. By looking closely, touching, and drawing, we will explore the secrets hidden in the bodies of marine life and consider together "Why do they have such shapes?"
Date and Time: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 1:30 PM - 2:40 PM
Duration: Approximately 70 minutes
Location: Laboratory + Online
Capacity: 36 people (in-person) + 200 people (online)
Target Audience: Elementary school students to adults
(Children in 3rd grade of elementary school and younger must be accompanied by a guardian aged 18 or older)
Application Method: Please apply via the Minato Science Museum website
Participation Fee: Free
Lecture: "Deep-Sea Fish: The Secrets of Their Mysterious Shapes"
Lecturer: Masato Mogi, Director of the Marine Science Museum, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
Ph.D. in Fisheries Science, Professor at the Department of Marine Environment Science, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Professor at the National Institute of Polar Research, Director of the Marine Science Museum
Specializing in ichthyology, he has conducted long-term research on fish and ecosystems in the Antarctic Ocean. Author of "Encyclopedia of Edible Fish and Shellfish (Heibonsha)" and others. For this exhibition, he supervised the fish section and cooperated in lending specimens from the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology Marine Science Museum.
Content:
While humans have been traveling to space for a long time, the deep-sea region on Earth still holds something that fascinates us.
Through manned and unmanned submersibles, we can now see strange forms captured on television and the internet, but surprisingly little accurate information is available about deep-sea fish. This lecture will explain what deep-sea fish are, how they live, and unravel the meaning behind their mysterious shapes.
Date and Time: Sunday, August 30, 2026, 2:30 PM - 3:40 PM
Duration: Approximately 70 minutes
Location: Laboratory + Online
Capacity: 36 people (in-person) + 200 people (online)
Target Audience: 4th grade elementary school students to adults
Application Method: Please apply via the Minato Science Museum website
Participation Fee: Free
Special Interactive Exhibit: "Traveling Museum ~Learning About the Shapes of Marine Life Through Touch~"
Lecturer: NPO Science and Art
A non-profit organization that plans and operates observation sessions and workshops using real specimens to convey the fun of nature and science to a wide range of ages, from children to adults. Since 2025, they have opened "Chisana Hakubutsukan" (Small Museum), a facility where specimens can be freely observed and touched. They also collaborate with schools and communities to propose new forms of learning.
Content:
Specimens usually seen in museums will be gathered at the Minato Science Museum! Observe and touch the specimens closely to examine their details and think about the shapes of marine life.
Date and Time: Thursday, July 24, 2026; Friday, July 25, 2026; Sunday, September 6, 2026
1 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Last entry 11:45 AM)
2 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Last entry 3:45 PM)
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Location: Laboratory
Capacity: No limit
Target Audience: All ages
(Children in 3rd grade of elementary school and younger must be accompanied by a guardian aged 18 or older)
Application Method: No reservation required (accepted on a first-come, first-served basis)
Participation Fee: Free
Event: "Hammerhead Shark Investigation! ~Learning About Shark Anatomy and the Behind-the-Scenes of Specimen Preparation~"
Content:
Why is the hammerhead shark's head shaped like a hammer? Why is shark skin rough? We will explore the relationship between the shark's body structure and its lifestyle by closely observing the external and internal features of the scalloped hammerhead shark. Through touching shark skin and a demonstration of dissection by the lecturer, internal structures such as gills, liver, and stomach will also be observed. Furthermore, the types of specimens, how they are made, and their use in research and exhibitions will be introduced.
What secrets are hidden in the "shape" of sharks? Let's investigate together while observing real specimens!
Date and Time: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
Location: Laboratory
Capacity: 36 people
Target Audience: All ages
(Children in 3rd grade of elementary school and younger must be accompanied by a guardian aged 18 or older)
Application Method: Please apply via the Minato Science Museum website
Participation Fee: Free
Event: "Deep-Sea Creature Fishing Experience!"
Content:
Creatures are hidden in the dark deep-sea world. Let's use fishing rods to find out what deep-sea creatures are there! The key is to observe the creatures caught closely, noting their large mouths, strange eyes, and unusual body shapes. Why not try to discover the secrets of the creatures' "shapes" as if you were a deep-sea explorer?
Date and Time: Held daily during the exhibition period, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last entry 5:45 PM)
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes per turn
Location: Multipurpose Lobby
Capacity: Approximately 2 people per turn
Target Audience: All ages (Children in 3rd grade of elementary school and younger must be accompanied by a guardian aged 18 or older)
Application Method: No reservation required (accepted on a first-come, first-served basis)
Participation Fee: Free
Event: "Marine Life Festival!"
Content:
Enjoy crafts related to the summer special exhibition "Shapes of Marine Life." This time, three booths will be prepared. Participation on the day is possible. Please join us!
➀ Marine Life Headbands
➁ Popping Squid and Octopus
➂ Minato Marine Research Team! (Ring Toss)
Date and Time: Sunday, July 19, 2026; Sunday, August 2, 2026
1 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Last entry 11:45 AM)
2 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Last entry 3:45 PM)
Duration: Approximately 15 minutes per booth
Location: Laboratory
Capacity: No limit
Target Audience: All ages
(Children in 3rd grade of elementary school and younger must be accompanied by a guardian aged 18 or older)
Application Method: No reservation required (accepted on a first-come, first-served basis)
Participation Fee: Free
● Minato Science Museum Overview
Location: 3-6-9 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Last admission 7:30 PM)
Closed: Second Monday of each month (or the following day if it falls on a holiday), New Year's holidays (December 29 - January 3) *Temporary closures may occur*
Admission Fee: Free; Planetarium requires a fee. General screening (per session): Adults ¥600 / Elementary, Junior High, High School students ¥100
Minato Science Museum Official Website: https://minato-kagaku.tokyo/
Official X: @minato_kagaku
Official LINE: @minato-science
Official YouTube: @user-qe9tu7fh1f
【Contact】 Minato Science Museum Public Relations
Phone: 03-6381-5041 (9:00 AM - 8:00 PM) FAX: 03-3578-3719
e-mail: [email protected]
"Shapes of Marine Life" Visual
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