Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, is currently hosting a limited nighttime collaboration event, the “Sunshine Aquarium × Chou Kaguya-hime! Tsukuyomi Aquarium.” The event recreates the virtual space Tsukuyomi from the film Chou Kaguya-hime! with fantastical lighting, sound, and the aquarium’s nocturnal atmosphere, creating a special space woven by the creatures themselves.
Visiting the venue, you’ll find a comfortable “chill space” that makes you lose track of time. This article reports on its charm.
This Summer’s Ultimate Chill Space: The Tsukuyomi Aquarium Where You’ll Want to Stay Forever
An event-exclusive life-sized panel using newly drawn illustrations greets visitors—but it’s not just life-sized. The panel of Kaguya is a massive 220 cm tall, because it even includes the Mendako (sunfish) she is holding! The sheer size is surprising, but its cuteness is undeniable, bringing a smile from the entrance.
Further inside, a welcome movie featuring Kaguya, voiced by Yuko Natsuyoshi, awaits. What message she delivers? You’ll have to visit to find out!
The area that particularly makes you want to stop is the jellyfish zone “Kurage Kuukan” (Jellyfish Sky Feeling). The jellyfish drift and the light effects synchronize with the ending theme “ray Chou Kaguya-hime! Version,” creating a fantastical space that feels like stepping into the world of the film.
Here, you truly lose track of time. It’s so comfortable you might think, “I could stay here forever.” Daily fatigue and worries seem to drift away with the jellyfish.
An audio guide featuring Kaguya is also available, leading you through the aquarium. It not only shares trivia about the creatures but also, referencing Kaguya’s line in the film about liking pancakes, introduces the “pancake turtle”—a playful touch.
The audio guide’s charm includes the small surprise of learning that such a creature as the pancake turtle exists!
In the outdoor area, a nighttime-only mermaid show is held at the “Sky Penguin” tank. The mermaids swim gracefully to the film’s original song “Hoshifuru Umi” (Star-Falling Sea), with lighting effects that blend with the night sky and tank, creating a magical time. The light effects linked to the lyrics are impressive, and anyone who has seen the film will recall scenes from the movie. This is another quiet, heart-filling “chill spot.”
At the aquarium shop, exclusive goods using the newly drawn illustrations are on sale, and at Tully’s, an original drink, the “Aquarium Cocoa Chou Kaguya-hime! ver.,” is available. The character drawn on the drink is random, so it’s a matter of luck which one you get.
The author drew Komazawa Rai, but next time, they’re aiming for their favorite, Tsukimi Yachiyo!
The Tsukuyomi Aquarium lets you enjoy the world of the work while also fully experiencing the healing power of the nighttime aquarium itself. Fans of the film will find heartwarming touches throughout, and even those unfamiliar with the work will be captivated by the quietly flowing time and fantastical space. It’s so comfortable that you might seriously consider buying a yearly pass. This event is perfect for those who want to spend a relaxing summer night.
The “Sunshine Aquarium × Chou Kaguya-hime! Tsukuyomi Aquarium” runs until August 30. Be sure to visit during the period!
(C) Colorido Twinengine Partners
— Report by Yoneda Kaori
