Tell me about your "Aquarium Love" vol.2 | Miwa Kanazawa

An interview project where I ask people who love aquariums to talk about their "aquarium love."

The purpose of this interview is half out of my own curiosity. The other half is the hope that someone, somewhere, might think, "Oh, there are other ways to think about and enjoy this."

For this second aquarium interview, I spoke with Miwa Kanazawa, who belongs to the same writer community as I do.

■ Miwa Kanazawa's Profile

(X account: Miwa Kanazawa | note Guide)

Why do you "love" aquariums?

――Please tell me the trigger or episode that made you think, "Maybe I like this!"

Ms. Kanazawa The reason I came to love aquariums was an experience during a field trip for the school for the deaf where I used to teach. The school for the deaf had many children who were not only deaf but also had multiple disabilities. They are usually very expressive with their emotions, but their joy at the aquarium still leaves a strong impression on me.

When a dolphin jumped right in front of them, they were genuinely happy even if they just got a little splashed. Watching the pure expressions of the children, my own heart was deeply moved, thinking, "The experience of seeing the real thing is just so amazing."

Thinking about that, I was moved by how "amazing the work is" for the people at the aquarium who provide this wonderful experience. Perhaps I am attracted to the "human side" that can be seen through the creatures in the aquarium.

――Did you like aquariums since you were a child?

Ms. Kanazawa My parents' house was right by the sea, and if you walked 50 meters, there was a sandy beach. I used to go into the sea to play by throwing jellyfish and seaweed, or drop a fishing line where the tetrapods were to catch scorpionfish.

Also, catching fish called "gomonchin (*)" in the rocky areas was one of my pleasures. There were no aquariums near my house, but the creatures in the sea, which was my playground, were familiar to me.

—Do you have any memorable aquarium experiences or episodes?

Ms. Kanazawa When I visited Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise the other day, nostalgic memories of a date with my husband before we were married came flooding back. Since it was a time before smartphones, we took many commemorative photos with a digital camera.

When I got home and looked at the photos on my computer screen, they were all pitch black. Even though the aquarium tanks and fish in the background were captured beautifully, our faces—the most important part—were just shadows... I remember us both feeling disappointed, saying, "We can't see ourselves at all." Now, even that failure is a fond memory.

—Do you have any unique obsessions or favorite ways to spend your time?

Ms. Kanazawa I like to just blankly stare at large creatures like seals and dolphins swimming in front of the tank. When I visited Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, three walruses were working hard practicing tricks with their keepers.

Even after my son, who was with me, left to go to his lesson, I stayed and watched the walruses practicing for about an hour. The walruses looked like they truly loved their keepers, and I was so moved that I couldn't help but tear up.

Also, for Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan it would be the dolphins and seals, and for Hakkeijima, it's the walruses. The time I spend watching large creatures looking happy is my favorite way to spend time at an aquarium.

—Is there an aquarium you "highly recommend" visiting?

Ms. Kanazawa If I had to choose just one, it would be "Shibushi Bay Daikoku Dolphin Land" in Shibushi City, Kagoshima Prefecture, without hesitation. The reason is that I was touched by the facility's warm intentions.

The admission fee when I visited was around 1,200 yen. I was surprised that experiences like touching dolphins or feeding sea turtles were also reasonably priced at about 500 yen each. Also, it's an aquarium that focuses on dolphin therapy. When I visited, I saw children with disabilities happily interacting with the dolphins.

The facility's warm desire to "have people feel closer to dolphins" really came through, and I became a total fan. I was so moved and felt like I wanted to support them that I signed up for every service they offered in the facility.

Also, Dolphin Land is involved in sea turtle conservation activities. I was deeply moved by the sight of so many turtles, from newborn babies to large sea turtles. Dolphin Land is an aquarium I would recommend from the bottom of my heart.

—Do you have a favorite creature or exhibit?

Ms. Kanazawa I've never seen an axolotl at an aquarium (laughs).

Actually, when I traveled to Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, during spring break this year, it seems there was an aquarium (*) with axolotls near the hotel where I stayed. However, I only realized it in the middle of the night, so unfortunately, I couldn't stop by. I vowed in my heart, "I will definitely come back," and left the area with a heavy heart.

Speaking of my favorite exhibits, it has to be the experience programs at Iruka Land (Dolphin Land).
Of course, swimming with dolphins and interacting with them directly is amazing, but I was also touched by the aquarium's efforts to go the extra mile to entertain us.

Finally, what does an aquarium mean to you?

Ms. Kanazawa　I thought that an aquarium is a "place that carries people's feelings." Through this interview, I realized what it is that I find so appealing about aquariums.

"How can I help people understand the wonder of sea creatures?"
"How can I convey the current situation of these animals so it touches people's hearts?"

I think I am moved by the "way of showing" that conveys such messages and affection.

After the Interview | taku's Thoughts

After interviewing Ms. Kanazawa, I was impressed by how she focuses on the "feelings" behind aquarium exhibits and initiatives. Hearing about her past (when she was a teacher), her comment about "crying with emotion" at Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise made perfect sense to me.

As I learn more about the behind-the-scenes of aquariums, I have also started to become more aware of the background of their initiatives and exhibits. However, I feel that Ms. Kanazawa empathizes with "people's feelings" much more strongly than I do.

Through my aquarium coverage, I have heard the messages of the people working there directly. That is why, in this interview, hearing Ms. Kanazawa talk about focusing on people's feelings made me think, "The people at the aquarium would be happy to hear that, too."

Also, I hope she gets to "meet an axolotl" at an aquarium soon.

▼ Seeking Interviewees!

I am looking for interviewees who want to step forward and say, "I love aquariums!" That said, even if you only have "a little interest" in aquariums, please feel free to reach out!