The National Museum of Nature and Science's traveling exhibition, "Creepy, Cute, and Amazing! The World of Boneless Marine Animals," is coming to Kyoto Aquarium.

Kyoto Aquarium is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the National Museum of Nature and Science's traveling exhibition, "Creepy, Cute, and Amazing! The World of Boneless Marine Animals," from Monday, May 11th to Sunday, June 14th, 2026, to introduce you to boneless animals (invertebrates).

"Amazingly Cute and Creepy! The World of Boneless Marine Animals" is a traveling exhibition that the National Museum of Nature and Science has been running since June 2024. When you hear the word "animal," many people may think of "animals with bones (vertebrates)" like us humans. However, if you look at all animals, vertebrates are only a small part of the whole, and most are "boneless animals (invertebrates)" that do not have bones. This exhibition introduces the amazing, cute, and mysterious ecology of various boneless animals that live in the sea.

This traveling exhibition introduces various boneless animals through explanatory panels and specimen displays. The panels explore the world of boneless animals from diverse perspectives, including their unique ecology and their relationship with humans. In addition, ten different specimens will be on display, including giant isopods, centipede sea slugs, and Acropora corals. Furthermore, next to the workshop space in "Communication Hall" on the second floor, there will be screenings of videos introducing the characteristic movements of boneless animals, as well as worksheets to deepen children's learning.

Furthermore, to commemorate the opening of the traveling exhibition, a special lecture entitled "The World of Boneless Marine Animals is Full of Wonders!" will be held on Sunday, June 7th, by Hiroshi Namikawa, a researcher at the National Museum of Nature and Science and the supervisor of this traveling exhibition. Professor Namikawa, who studies jellyfish, sea anemones, and other creatures, will talk about their fascinating ecology, which is so different from that of humans. Why not take this opportunity to learn about the little-known world of boneless marine animals?

■Touring Exhibition "Creepy-Cute and Amazing! The World of Boneless Sea Animals" Overview

This special exhibition is a traveling exhibition from the National Museum of Nature and Science. When we look at all animals, most of them are "boneless animals (invertebrates)" that do not have a backbone. In this exhibition, we will introduce the unique ecology of marine boneless animals, which is beyond our imagination, through panels and specimens.

Exhibition location: 2nd floor "Communication Hall"
Exhibition period: May 11 (Mon) - June 14 (Sun), 2026

① Exhibits panels that teach about the ecology and characteristics of diverse boneless animals.

This exhibit uses panels to introduce the body structure and distinctive life histories of boneless animals such as corals, sea slugs, and jellyfish, which are different from humans. Furthermore, while some of animals are familiar to us as food, everyday items such as natural sponges, and gemstones such as pearls, there are also species that are dangerous to us or invasive animals that threaten the existence of other living things. Through the panel exhibit, you can learn about the diversity of boneless animals.

② Exhibits specimens of 10 different types of boneless animals with diverse appearances.

In addition to the panel displays, we will be exhibiting a limited number of specimens of 10 different species, including centipede sea slugs, giant isopods, sea cucumbers, and sea squirts. Take the time to carefully observe the body structure of these creatures using the actual specimens, along with reading the explanations on the panels.

③ Fun videos and worksheets about boneless animals are also available.

On the monitor next to the "Communication Hall" workshop space on the second floor, we will be showing videos that focus on the distinctive "movements" of animals. We will introduce hermit crabs that scurry about and jellyfish that float gently. In addition, there will be worksheets that allow you to learn about boneless animals while having fun with quizzes and crossword puzzles. Please enjoy them in conjunction with the panel and specimen displays.

④ Commemorating the traveling exhibition! Lecture "The world of boneless marine animals is full of wonders!" will be held.

To commemorate the touring exhibition, we will be hosting a special lecture by Mr. Hiroshi Namikawa, a researcher at the National Museum of Nature and Science and the supervisor of this exhibition.

In this lecture, we will discuss the unique ecology of various boneless marine animals, such as jellyfish, sea anemones, corals, and starfish. We will explain the fascinating world of the ocean in an enjoyable way, through the appearances and lifestyles of animals that are unimaginable on land, such as animals whose backs and bellies are indistinguishable, or animals that have stopped moving altogether.

Date and Time: Sunday, June 7, 2026, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (tentative)
Admission: Free *A separate Kyoto Aquarium annual pass is required.
Location: 2nd floor "Communication Hall" workshop space. Participation requirements: Elementary school students and older. *Elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian.
Capacity: 20 people. How to participate: Applications are now closed.
*If there are many applicants, a lottery will be held. Winners will be notified by email on Monday, May 25, 2026.
*This is a lottery that guarantees you a seat. Even if you are not selected, you can still come to the venue on the day of the event and watch from the standing area.

Hiroshi Namikawa, Marine Invertebrate Research Group, Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science

Born in Fukui Prefecture in 1962. Joined the Department of Zoology at the National Museum of Nature and Science in April 1992. After serving as a researcher, he became a group leader in April 2026. Holds a PhD in Science from Hokkaido University (June 1992). Specializes in the biology of hydroids.