• 1975: The Tropical & Subtropical Fisheries Research Center, which later became the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, is established.
• 1980: The center begins conducting research on the breeding and cultivation of marine organisms, including coral and tropical fish.
• 1997: Construction of the aquarium is completed, and it opens to the public on November 1. At the time, it is the largest aquarium in the world, with a main tank holding 7,500 cubic meters of water.
• 2002: The aquarium introduces whale sharks into the main tank, making it one of the few aquariums in the world to successfully keep the species in captivity.
• 2005: The aquarium adds a “Kuroshio Sea” exhibit, which features a larger tank that holds 10,000 cubic meters of water and is home to multiple whale sharks.
• 2010: The aquarium undergoes a major renovation, which includes the addition of a new entrance and a revamped main tank with a larger viewing area.
• 2018: The aquarium introduces a new exhibit called “The Sea of Coral,” which showcases a variety of coral species and their ecosystems.
• 2021: The aquarium celebrates its 24th anniversary on November 1

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium offers a wide range of attractions and exhibits. Here are some of the top attractions you can see at the aquarium:

1. Kuroshio Sea: The aquarium’s main tank, which holds 7,500 cubic meters of water and is home to multiple whale sharks, manta rays, and other large fish species.
2. Sea of Coral: An exhibit showcasing a variety of coral species and their ecosystems.
3. Okichan Theater: A dolphin show featuring the aquarium’s resident dolphins, including a rare albino dolphin named “Churaumi-chan”.
4. Tropical Dream Center: A botanical garden and orchid greenhouse located near the aquarium, featuring a wide variety of tropical flowers and plants.
5. Touch Pool: A hands-on exhibit where visitors can touch and interact with a variety of small marine animals such as starfish, sea cucumbers, and crabs.
6. Oceanic Culture Museum: A museum showcasing the history and culture of the ocean and the people of Okinawa.
7. Marine Life Rehabilitation Center: A facility dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing injured marine animals back into the wild.

The aquarium also offers various events and activities throughout the year, such as guided tours, feeding demonstrations, and workshops.

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium:

Do’s:

1. Do take the time to explore all of the exhibits and attractions at the aquarium, including the Kuroshio Sea, Sea of Coral, and the Okichan Theater.
2. Do follow the rules and regulations of the aquarium, which are designed to protect the marine animals and their habitats.
3. Do take advantage of the opportunities to learn about marine life and conservation efforts at the aquarium, which is a hub of scientific research.
4. Do be respectful of the marine animals and their habitats, and follow the guidelines for interacting with them.
5. Do wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as there is a lot of walking involved in exploring the aquarium.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t use flash photography, as it can be harmful to the animals and their habitats.
2. Don’t touch the marine animals, as it can be harmful to them and to you.
3. Don’t litter or throw any objects into the tanks, as this can harm the animals and their habitats.
4. Don’t feed the animals, as they have specific diets that are carefully monitored by the aquarium staff.
5. Don’t bring in any outside food or drinks, as there are designated areas for eating and drinking within the aquarium.