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April 25th is World penguins Day! "The Penguin Passion Party!" will be held – featuring an exhibition of photos taken by animal care staff and a lecture by a guest speaker.
Sumida Aquarium will be holding "The Penguin Passion Party!", an event to introduce wild Magellanic penguins living in the waters of Argentina, during "World penguins Day Week" from Monday, April 20th to Sunday, April 26th, 2026.
"World penguins Day" is said to originate from the fact that Adélie penguins, having finished breeding, are observed heading to the sea around April 25th each year. In recent years, it has spread worldwide as a day to think about penguins conservation and environmental issues.
Our aquarium currently houses 58 Magellanic penguins. Of these, 29 were born here, and we are actively engaged in breeding programs. Furthermore, since 2024, we have been conducting research and surveys in Argentina, a major breeding ground for Magellanic penguins, with the aim of improving the living environment and promoting conservation of the natural environment.*1
This event will feature a photo exhibition taken by animal care staff in Argentina, as well as penguins penguins in Argentina and those kept at our facility. We will also host lectures by special guests: Associate Professor Yoshihito Yamamoto of the Department of Applied Animal Science, Azabu University School of Veterinary Medicine, who is collaborating with us on research in Argentina, and Dr. Flavio Quintana of the Argentine National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET). During the event, we will also hold a free workshop to create original postcards and sell cafe menu items featuring penguins living in Argentina.
On this annual "World penguins Day," we invite you to visit Sumida Aquarium to learn not only about the charm of Magellanic penguins, but also about the rich natural environment in which penguins live.
■ "The Penguin Passion Party!" Event Overview
To commemorate "World penguins Day" on April 25th, we will be holding "World penguins Day Week" from Monday, April 20th to Sunday, April 26th, 2026, featuring panel displays, workshops, and lectures. This event will provide a fun and detailed overview of our museum's efforts regarding Magellanic penguins and the wild Magellanic penguins that live in the waters off Argentina.
Event period: April 20th (Mon) - April 26th (Sun), 2026
1. A photo exhibition showcasing the ecology of Magellanic penguins in the wild (with a quiz)
The animal care staff will display photos taken in Argentina on panels designed to resemble social media. These panels will include not only photos but also quizzes about penguins behavior. By answering the quizzes, visitors can learn about Magellanic penguins living in the wild in a fun and engaging way.
Exhibition locations: 5 locations within the museum
2. Panel introducing the breeding season of Magellanic penguins
This exhibit uses panels and videos to showcase how Magellanic penguins raise their young in Argentina. In addition to describing the lives of wild penguins, we will also share the innovative approaches we use in their care at our aquarium.
Exhibition period: April 25, 2026 (Saturday) to late June
Exhibition location: 6th floor penguins Academy
The penguins Academy exhibits are updated four times a year.
3. Bringing you the "now" of Argentina! Original movie
We are releasing for the first time footage filmed by animal care staff during their trip to Argentina in December 2025. The video compiles footage of wild Magellanic penguins living in Argentina, scenes from on-site research, and interviews with researchers. Please enjoy this valuable footage that gives you a glimpse into the current situation in the region.
Broadcast dates and times: Monday, April 20th to Friday, April 24th, 2026, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
April 25th (Sat) and April 26th (Sun), 2026, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Screening location: 5th floor Aqua Academy
From Saturday, April 25th onwards, Sumida Aquarium Official YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/SumidaAquariumYou can also view it there.
The broadcast time will be limited to Friday, April 24th, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
4. Held daily during the exhibition! "Magellanic penguins Mini-Lecture by animal care staff "
At the beginning of the daily "penguins Feeding Time," which takes place about 5 minutes in advance, animal care staff will give a short lecture on Magellanic penguins . They will provide a special explanation of the characteristics of the penguins we keep at the aquarium, comparing them to wild penguins , including where they live and how they eat.
Event times: Three times a day, each session lasting approximately 5 minutes (10:20 AM, 1:20 PM, and 3:50 PM)
Venue: 5th floor penguins Pool
Participation fee: Free
Aquarium admission fee separate.
How to participate: Please gather around the penguins pool at the scheduled time.
5. Free workshop: "Making Magellanic penguins Postcards"
This workshop allows you to create your own original postcard by attaching penguins and egg parts to a card printed with images of penguins in Argentina. Imagine the lives of wild penguins as you create your postcard.
Event period: April 24, 2026 (Friday) to late May
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
Participation fee: Free
Aquarium admission fee separate.
How to participate: Register at the Aqua Academy on the 5th floor on the day of the event.
6. Three types of lectures featuring special guests.
① The lives of the penguins at Sumida Aquarium ~Secrets of "Sumi-Pen" revealed by data loggers~
We will be giving a lecture on our data logger survey of penguins, which has been conducted since 2020, and on the research and surveys we have been conducting in Argentina since 2024. We will be inviting Associate Professor Takashi Yamamoto of the Department of Applied Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, who is conducting the research and surveys with us, to join us in a discussion with our Deputy Director Tomohiro Kakizaki and animal care staff Yukari Takashima. This is a must-see for fans, as we will be interpreting the behavior of the penguins penguins at our aquarium from data, addressing questions such as "Which penguins swims the most at Sumida Aquarium?" and "Which two penguins look like they might become a couple?" Please relax and enjoy the event with some mate tea, which is commonly drunk in Argentina.
2. A device equipped with cameras and sensors that can record various data such as location information and speed. It is used to record information about the ecology of animals and the surrounding environment.
Date and Time: Friday, April 24, 2026, 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Venue: 5th Floor Aqua Academy
Participation fee: 2,000 yen (tax included)
Aquarium admission fee not included. Yerba mate tea included.
Capacity: 30 people
How to participate: Ticket sales page
Please purchase your ticket in advance from ( https://www.asoview.com/channel/ticket/Pwzf74k1E8/ticket0000049963/ ) to participate.
[Associate Professor Yoshihito Yamamoto, Department of Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University]
This research focuses on the behavior and ecology of birds and mammals, particularly their adaptations to their environment. Using bio-logging*3, they are attempting to unravel the mysteries of animal behavior. In recent years, they have conducted research at a Magellanic penguins breeding ground in Argentina. They also work on behavioral monitoring and environmental enrichment*4 research by attaching data loggers to animals in aquariums and zoos in Japan.
3. A research method that involves attaching small measuring devices (data loggers) with various sensors to animals to acquire information about their behavior and habitat.
4. To improve the welfare of captive animals, devise breeding environments that are tailored to their behavioral and ecological characteristics.
② World penguins Day Special Lecture: Learning about the current state of penguins from Argentina, the homeland of Sumi-Pen.
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Flavio Quintana of the Argentine National Council for Scientific and Technical Research, who is collaborating with us on research and studies of wild Magellanic penguins living in Argentina. He will share a wide range of information about the ecology and habitat of Magellanic penguins, as well as current marine issues. This event is recommended for anyone interested in learning about wild Magellanic penguins or those concerned with marine issues.
Date and Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: In front of the Labo on the 5th floor
Participation fee: Priority seats 500 yen (tax included), other seats free
Aquarium admission fee separate.
Capacity: 100 people (including 30 priority seats)
How to participate: If you would like paid priority seating, please visit the ticket sales page.
Please purchase your ticket in advance from ( https://www.asoview.com/channel/ticket/Pwzf74k1E8/ticket0000049962/ ) to participate. If you wish to participate in the free seating area, please gather in front of the Labo at the scheduled time.
Note: Japanese interpretation available.
[Dr. Flavio Quintana, Argentine National Council for Scientific and Technological Research]
A leading expert in marine conservation biology representing the Patagonia region of Argentina. A senior researcher at the Argentine National Council for Science and Technology Research (CONICET). Currently, she heads the Marine Top Predator Ecology Laboratory at the Marine Biological Institute (IBIOMAR-CONICET). Her research focuses on the migration ecology, behavior, and conservation of seabirds and marine mammals along the Patagonian coast.
③ [Co-sponsored by Sumida Ward] Sumida, the town where penguins live ~What kind of place is the home of Magellanic penguins?~
With the desire to let local residents know more about the penguins at Sumida Aquarium, we will be holding a lecture outside the aquarium to commemorate "World penguins Day." Dr. Flavio Quintana of the Argentine National Council for Scientific and Technical Research and Yukari Takashima, a member of our aquarium's animal care staff , will introduce the lives of the Magellanic penguins at Sumida Aquarium, the work of the animal animal care staff , and the Magellanic penguins ' homeland, Argentina. We will provide an easy-to-understand explanation for local residents about the Magellanic penguins that were born and live in Sumida Ward.
Date and Time: Sunday, April 26, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Venue: Yutoria Sumida Lifelong Learning Center Dome (2-38-7 Higashi-Mukojima, Sumida-ku)
Participation fee: Free
Capacity: 160 people (by lottery)
How to participate: Please register in advance via the Sumida Ward website ( https://www.yutoriya.jp/eventinfo/detail/9547/ ).
Application deadline: Friday, April 10, 2026
Priority will be given to residents of Sumida Ward, but if the number of applicants does not reach the capacity, non-residents will also be able to participate.
Note: Japanese interpretation available.
[Yukari Takashima, Leader of the penguins Team, Exhibition and Breeding Team, Sumida Aquarium]
From a young age, she dreamed of working at an aquarium and studied to become a dolphin trainer at a vocational school. In 2012, she joined Sumida Aquarium at its opening and worked as a marine mammal caretaker, raising penguins and fur seals. In 2024 and 2025, as part of efforts to improve animal husbandry and exhibition techniques, she visited Argentina, a world-renowned breeding ground for Magellanic penguins, and currently serves as the pedigree manager for Magellanic penguins, a role established by the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA).
7. Sell original World penguins Day T-shirts.
We're selling the 2026 version of our original T-shirt, which was a huge hit last year. This original T-shirt was designed specifically for this event by Kazu Omori, a world-renowned artist officially recognized by Disney & Marvel Studios. The design comically depicts the strength of a Magellanic penguins.
Release date: April 23, 2026 (Thursday)
Sales location: 5th floor Museum Shop
Price: 7,000 yen (tax included)
[Graphic Artist Kazu Omori]
A Walt Disney Company US-certified artist. After gaining experience as an in-house illustrator at an advertising production company, she moved to the United States. Currently, she works as an art director and artist at her own studio, Tune Grafik. She is also affiliated with the California-based agency "Poster Posse," where she handles a wide range of entertainment design projects. In recent years, she has also launched the pet art brand "OLO ANIMALS / OUR LITTLE ONE," creating character art of various animals.
8. We will be selling an original menu item for World penguins Day: the "Argentine Sundae".
This sundae features granola and our original salted vanilla soft serve ice cream, topped with a caramel sauce inspired by traditional Argentinian confectionery and nuts. Please enjoy it while watching the penguins.
Sales period: April 20, 2026 (Monday) to late May
Sales location: Penguin Café on the 5th floor
Price: 730 yen (tax included)
