"※Not a Spotted garden eel Exhibition" to clear up everyone's misconceptions on the 13th Spotted garden eel Day

Sumida Aquarium (Location: Sumida-ku, Tokyo; General Manager: Rui Kawasumi) is pleased to announce that, in conjunction with "Spotted garden eel Day" on November 11th, it will be holding a limited-time event, "*Not a Spotted garden eel Eel Exhibition," from Thursday, October 1st to Monday, November 16th, 2026.

Since November 11th was designated "Spotted garden eel Day" by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2013*, Sumida Aquarium has been holding annual events to promote the ecology and charm of Spotted garden eel, and this year marks its 13th year.

In recent years, Spotted garden eel have become widely known as popular attractions at aquariums, and have become beloved characters with various Spotted garden eel being sold. On the other hand, many people mistakenly believe that other species such as the spotted garden eel and the white-spotted garden eel are Spotted garden eel. Therefore, this year's "Spotted garden eel Day" will focus on this misunderstanding and convey the message, "This animals is not a Spotted garden eel," through various events and activities.

The main exhibit features an interactive Spotted garden eel gallery where visitors can learn about the unique characteristics, charms, and ecological differences of three types of garden eels: the "Garden Eel" with its distinctive black polka dots on a white background, the "Spotted Garden Eel" with its orange and white stripes, and the "White-Spotted Garden Eel" with its brown body and white spots. Other attractions include a quiz-style stamp rally and a tank display featuring life-sized silhouettes of the three species for comparison. Additionally, there will be events designed to bring Spotted garden eel closer to visitors, such as a fan meeting held exclusively on Spotted garden eel Day and a workshop where visitors can create Spotted garden eel masks.

Furthermore, original menus and limited-edition goods featuring Spotted garden eel will be available, allowing visitors to enjoy the world of the "Not Just Spotted garden eel" exhibition throughout the entire aquarium. This event will allow you to discover a new side of Spotted garden eel, making them even more appealing than before your visit. Let's celebrate "Spotted garden eel Day" together at Sumida Aquarium again this year!

Because the way Spotted garden eel stick their bodies out of the sand resembles the number "1," and because they live in groups, November 11th, the date with the most "1"s, was designated as "Spotted garden eel Day" by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2013.

"※Not a Spotted garden eel Eel Exhibition" Event Overview

This event will be held to coincide with "Spotted garden eel Day" on November 11th. When you see an orange and white striped animals, do you answer "Spotted garden eel"? In fact, Spotted garden eel, spotted garden eels, and white-spotted garden eels are all different animals. This year's "Spotted garden eel Eel Day" focuses on this misconception. Through exhibits and participatory content, you will learn about the unique characteristics and charms of these three species in a fun way.

[Event Period] October 1st (Thu), 2026 - November 16th (Mon), 2026

[Venue] Various locations within Sumida Aquarium

[Price] Free *Aquarium admission fee not included.

1. Main contents of the "※Not a Spotted garden eel Eel Exhibition"

(1) "Is that really a Spotted garden eel?" Participatory quiz gallery

A large, interactive panel will appear in a special space on the 6th floor. Featuring the spotted garden eel, characterized by its orange and white stripes, the panel will ask, "This animals is not a Spotted garden eel. Did you know that?" Participants will be asked to answer "I knew" or "I didn't know" by pressing a button. The results will be compiled on November 11th (Wednesday), "Spotted garden eel Day," and published on November 12th (Thursday) on the official X website ( https://x.com/Sumida_Aquarium ). This will visualize the common misconceptions people have about Spotted garden eel.

The museum will also display panels featuring various quizzes about Spotted garden eel. Visitors can have fun learning about the characteristics and differences between Spotted garden eel Spotted garden eel , spotted garden eels, and white-spotted garden eels by flipping over the panels to check the answers and explanations while guessing whether the animals depicted are garden eels or something else.

Taking a photo in front of the large panel will give you a picture that looks like you're surrounded by three different species of Spotted garden eel. Please enjoy this photo spot as you get to experience the world of this event.

[Location] 6th floor special space

(2) Learn more! Spotted garden eel Stamp Rally

This is a stamp rally where you explore the aquarium and search for observation points of Spotted garden eel. It's in a quiz format, and you can check your answers by stamping on the illustrations. Let's have fun collecting stamps while learning about the characteristics and ecology of Spotted garden eel. The back of the stamp sheet introduces the little-known ecology of Spotted garden eel. Through observation and explanation, you can discover an unexpected side of Spotted garden eel.

[Installation locations] Various locations throughout the building

(3) A Spotted garden eel that does not contain only garden eels

The Spotted garden eel tank is home not only to Spotted garden eel, but also to spotted garden eels and white-spotted garden eels. During the event, the tank will be decorated with life-sized silhouette stickers of each of the three species to clearly show their patterns. Try to find out where each animals is located in the tank.

[Installation location] Garden Spotted garden eel tank in the Coral Reefs on the 6th floor

(4) Special Spotted garden eel Feeding Time

The "Spotted garden eel Feeding Time" event, held daily, will be held in a special version on weekends and holidays during the exhibition period, as well as from November 9th (Monday) to 11th (Wednesday), featuring commentary by the animal care staff and a true/false quiz. You can learn about the Spotted garden eel' ecology and characteristics in a fun way while observing them eating.

[Event Dates] Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from October 1st (Thu) to November 16th (Mon), 2026, and November 9th (Mon) to 11th (Wed)

[Event Times] 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM (approximately 15 minutes each session)

*Only on Wednesday, November 11th, the morning session will start at 11:11 AM.

[Location] In front of the garden Spotted garden eel in the Coral Reefs area on the 6th floor

[How to participate] Please gather in front of the Spotted garden eel tank when the event starts.

*Please note that the event may be canceled or changed depending on the condition of the animals.

(5) Limited-time offer: Original Spotted garden eel mask gift

From November 7th (Saturday) to November 11th (Wednesday), we will be distributing original masks to all visitors. During this period, our staff will also be wearing the masks, and the entire facility will be celebrating "Spotted garden eel Day."

[Distribution Period] November 7th (Sat) - November 11th (Wed), 2026

[Distribution Time] During business hours

[Distribution location] 6th floor special space

* Only one ticket will be distributed per person. Distribution will end each day once all tickets have been given out.

2. Learn more about Spotted garden eel! Special events and workshops will be held.

(1) Spotted garden eel Spotted garden eel Fan Meeting, held exclusively on Garden Eel Day.

On Spotted garden eel Day, we will be holding a fan meeting for Spotted garden eel enthusiasts. This special event will allow the animal care staff and participants to share their favorite aspects and charms of Spotted garden eel, fostering a shared love for them.

[Date and Time] Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

[Capacity] Limited to 11 people. Children under junior high school age must be accompanied by a guardian.

[How to participate] Please apply using the form on the application page ( https://mdh.fm/e?kA7033BeFE ).

[Application Period] September 29th (Tue) - October 26th (Mon), 2026

*If there are many applicants, a lottery will be held. Winners will be notified by email on Friday, October 30th.

(2) Limited workshop: "Spotted garden eel Eel Mask"

This workshop allows you to choose one mask from those of Spotted garden eel, spotted garden eels, or white-spotted garden eels, and then paint it to complete it. You can observe the actual animals and discover the differences in their patterns and characteristics.

[Opening Hours] Weekdays: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Last entry: 3:30 PM)

Weekends and public holidays: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last entry: 4:30 PM)

[Venue] 5th floor Aqua Academy

[How to participate] Please gather at "Aqua Academy" when the event time arrives.

3. Enjoy the visual appeal too! Original menu items available only during the event at the Penguin Café on the 5th floor.

(1) Fast-talking order challenge! "Just like a white-spotted garden eel white cheese dog"

This limited-time menu item features a juicy sausage hot dog topped with white cheese and pepper, reminiscent of a white-spotted garden eel, offering a visually appealing treat with its distinctive white spotted pattern.

Furthermore, exclusively on Wednesday, November 11th, "Spotted garden eel Day," anyone who orders this menu item correctly and correctly orders it as "Just Like a White-Spotted Garden Eel White Cheese Dog" will receive an extra topping of cheddar cheese, inspired by the spotted garden eel. Be sure to take on the challenge of ordering quickly with this long menu name that you might accidentally stumble over!

[Price] 880 yen (tax included)

(2) It tastes just like a garden eel soft serve ice cream

This soft-serve ice cream blends rich melon flavor with salted vanilla flavor, inspired by the spotted garden eel with its distinctive orange and white stripes. It's a treat that lets you enjoy the charm of the spotted garden eel while also appreciating its appearance. It comes topped with wafers designed with Spotted garden eel, spotted garden eels, and white-spotted garden eels.

[Price] 890 yen (tax included)

(3) Spotted garden eel Shake

This cookie and cream flavored shake is inspired by the Spotted garden eel, characterized by its white body and black polka dots. When you sip the shake through the clear straw, the shake passing through the straw looks just like a Spotted garden eel. Topped with wafers designed with Spotted garden eel, spotted garden eels, and white-spotted garden eels, this is a drink you'll want to photograph.

[Price] 960 yen (tax included)

・Receive a free original sticker with purchases of 1,111 yen or more!

During the event period, customers who purchase eligible menu items and spend a total of 1,111 yen (including tax) or more in a single transaction will receive an original "Not a Spotted garden eel Eel Exhibition" sticker. The sticker features designs of Spotted garden eel, spotted garden eels, and white-spotted garden eels eating underwater. You can take it home as a memento of the event.

*While supplies last.

[Target Menu Items]

- Just like a white-spotted garden eel white cheese dog

・It tastes just like a garden eel soft serve ice cream

Spotted garden eel Shake

Spotted garden eel chocolate churros

4. New merchandise related to the event will be available at the "Museum Shop" on the 5th floor.

[Sales start date] October 1, 2026 (Thursday)

(1) Extra-large garden eel plush toy

This extra-large plush toy, standing approximately 111cm tall, recreates the spotted garden eel, characterized by its orange and white stripes. Its huggable size allows you to fully appreciate the charm of the spotted garden eel. In keeping with this year's event theme, "This animals is not a Spotted garden eel," this product features the spotted garden eel, which is often mistaken for a Spotted garden eel, as the main subject, creating a truly eye-catching plush toy.

[Price] 11,111 yen (tax included)

(2) Garden Spotted garden eel bank

This piggy bank features a Spotted garden eel and a spotted garden eel side-by-side. The playful design depicts them peeking out from the sand in a three-dimensional way. In keeping with the "Not a Spotted garden eel" exhibition, you can place coins into either the Spotted garden eel or the spotted garden eel, making the decision of which animals to deposit your money into part of the fun.

[Price] 2,300 yen (tax included)