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A frog-loving animal care staff produces the event: "Kaoru Ishikawa's Aquarium ~Ribbit! Find the Frogs!~"
Kyoto Aquarium is pleased to announce that from July 1st (Wed) to September 30th (Wed), 2026, it will be holding a special exhibition produced by Kaoru Ishikawa, a animal care staff who has a deep love for frogs, titled "Kaoru Ishikawa's Aquarium ~Ribbit, Ribbit! Find the Frogs!~".
This special exhibition is a spin-off of the popular "Kaoru Ishikawa's Aquarium - A Toad Exhibition at Such Close Range" *1, which was held for about five months from October 2023, and is being held for the second time following 2025 *2. This limited-time exhibition showcases the charm of 10 different types of frogs, presented by Kaoru Ishikawa, a animal care staff who has a deep love for frogs.
This exhibition, themed around "frog hunting," offers visitors the chance to experience the joy of finding and observing familiar frogs through various exhibits. Ten species of frogs native to Kyoto, including the Japanese tree frog and the Japanese pond frog, along with tadpoles of species such as the Japanese tree frog, will be on display, accompanied by explanatory panels summarizing their characteristics. In addition, "Virtual Ishikawa Kaoru" will appear in virtual video to explain the appealing points of each frog. Furthermore, Ishikawa himself is scheduled to make occasional appearances in the exhibition area, offering a chance to hear his explanations about the frogs directly.
Furthermore, we will be bringing back the popular wall display from last year that showcases the differences in jumping ability among various frog species. Come and see the differences in jumping ability of 10 different types of frogs. We will also be distributing workbooks and worksheets to make finding and observing the frogs on display even more fun.
On Saturday, July 4th, a quiz competition called "VS Ishikawa Kaoru" will be held, where Ishikawa will compete against frog enthusiasts from all over Japan in a quiz about frogs. In addition, special food and drink menus will be available to commemorate the exhibition.
Take this opportunity to enjoy frog hunting at Kyoto Aquarium.
■ Overview of the special exhibition "Kaoru Ishikawa's Aquarium ~Ribbit, Ribbit! Find the Frogs!~"
This exhibition is a spin-off of the "Kaoru Ishikawa's Aquarium: A Toad Exhibition at Such Close Range" held in October 2023. Kaoru Ishikawa, a animal care staff who deeply loves frogs, will introduce the various charms of frogs. This time, the theme is "Frog Hunting," and the exhibition allows visitors to experience the fun of finding and observing frogs in their surroundings. Through displays of 10 different types of frogs and panels explaining their characteristics, we will provide tips for frog hunting.
Exhibition location: Entrance to the "Sanshisuimei (The Beauty of Nature)" area on the 2nd floor. Exhibition period: July 1st (Wed) to September 30th (Wed), 2026.
*Please note that the content may be changed without notice depending on the health condition of the animals.
≪Exhibition and Breeding Team: Kaoru Ishikawa≫
I joined Kyoto Aquarium in 2021. I belong to the fish unit and am mainly in charge of freshwater animals, including giant salamanders. I like amphibians, and especially frogs. I spend time with many frogs at home.
(1) Exhibits 10 species of frogs that inhabit Kyoto.
We will be exhibiting 10 species of frogs that inhabit Kyoto. The frogs will be displayed in two separate tanks: "frogs that live near human settlements, such as rice paddies" and "frogs that live in mountains and valleys." The ease of finding the frogs differs between the two tanks, so try to find out which frog is where.
Near the aquarium, there will be a panel summarizing the key points for distinguishing between 10 different types of frogs. In addition, tadpoles of other species, such as the Japanese tree frog, will also be on display.
[Types of frogs to be exhibited]
Frogs that live near human settlements such as rice paddies: Japanese tree frog, Japanese brown frog, Schlegel's tree frog, marsh frog, Japanese red frog, Japanese pond frog Frogs that live in mountains and valleys: Japanese stream frog, Japanese tree frog, Japanese river frog, Japanese tree frog
(2) Introducing the best features of frogs! Video commentary by "Virtual Ishikawa Kaoru"
In this video, Ishikawa will explain his favorite points about the 10 types of frogs on display. In the video, a virtual Ishikawa Kaoru will appear and introduce the observation points he wants you to pay attention to!
Furthermore, Ishikawa himself occasionally makes appearances in the exhibition area. If you're lucky, you might even get to hear Ishikawa's direct explanation of the frogs.
(3) Which frog has the best jumping ability? A wall display showing the jumping abilities of 10 different types of frogs.
The wall display showcasing the jumping abilities of frogs, which made its debut last year and was very well received, is back and even better! Ishikawa has measured the jumping abilities of 10 different types of frogs that will be on display this year, and the results will be presented on the wall display. Which frog has the biggest jumping ability? Come and see the amazing jumping power of the frogs at Kyoto Aquarium!
(4) Perfect for summer vacation projects! We will distribute worksheets and booklets that make frog hunting fun.
We will distribute a workbook that summarizes the key points for finding the 10 types of frogs on display. We will also teach you Ishikawa's method of finding frogs, including how to find them in nature and essential items to use.
Furthermore, a worksheet will be included where you can observe frogs and write down their characteristics and favorite points. Collect all six special frog stamps to complete your own original frog encyclopedia.
In addition, a booklet compiling Ishikawa's anecdotes about frogs in an essay style will also be available. Please enjoy the handouts that will allow you to learn more about frogs.
* Worksheets and workbooks will be distributed until supplies run out.
(5) The only requirement to participate is "a love for frogs!" Challengers wanted for the "VS Kaoru Ishikawa" quiz competition about frogs.
We will be holding a quiz competition called "VS Kaoru Ishikawa," where you can compete against Ishikawa, who is producing this exhibition, in a test of your knowledge and love for frogs. The quiz will cover not only the 10 types of frogs on display, but also various other frog-related topics, and the winner will face off against Kaoru Ishikawa in a quiz battle.
We await the challenge from all you "frog enthusiasts" who truly love frogs.
Date and Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (tentative)
Admission: Free *A separate same-day admission ticket to Kyoto Aquarium 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: Apply in advance via the "PICK UP" section on the top page of our official website ( https://www.kyoto-aquarium.com/ ) Application period: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 to Sunday, June 21, 2026, until 11:59 PM *If there are many applicants, we will select participants based on the content of their applications. Those selected will be notified by email on Monday, June 22, 2026.
* Even if you are not a winner, you can still come to the venue on the day of the event and watch from the standing area.
■ "Swimming Donut Frog" appears to commemorate the special exhibition.
The popular frog-shaped "Ikumi Mama's Animal Donuts®," which were a hit last year, are back again this year. This time, we have two varieties available: green with matcha chocolate flavor and blue with white chocolate flavor. Enjoy the donuts along with the special exhibition.
Sales period: July 1st (Wed) - September 30th (Wed), 2026
Sales location: Harvest Cafe Price: 700 yen each (tax included)
*While supplies last.
* Please note that the sales location, sales time, and other details may be changed without prior notice.
