The aquarium is a place where emotions stir — from the cheers of a dolphin show to the smiles brought on by a seal's sleeping face.
Okamedo Co., Ltd., a wagashi confectionery with over 70 years of history in the Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture, is launching a new product called Aquarium Meringue Coco starting in April. The sweets are shaped like aquarium animals such as dolphins and seals, designed as a way to take the memories of a visit home.
Born from a Simple Observation
The product was developed by Shibahata, a second-year employee just 21 years old. The inspiration came from a straightforward realization:
"The aquarium is a place where emotions move. But you can't take those emotions themselves home with you. So I thought — couldn't we give them shape through a confection?"
The goal was to create something that makes visitors want to photograph it, share it with someone, and break apart to enjoy together. Rather than a simple merchandise item, the sweets were conceived as a way to extend a cherished memory.
Product Details
Aquarium Meringue Coco
Features
Animal-Motif Design
Shaped like dolphins, seals, and other creatures iconic to aquariums, the design communicates "cute" instantly and intuitively, without the need for any explanation.
Light, Delicate Texture
The characteristic airy crunch of meringue gives way to a soft, melt-in-the-mouth center — enjoyable for both children and adults.
Gentle Coconut Aroma
A natural coconut flavor that evokes tropical scenes, perfectly suited to the atmosphere of an aquarium.
Gluten-Free
Made without wheat flour, making it accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.
Durable Construction
Designed to withstand transport without breaking, making it ideal as a gift.
Specifications
- Contents: Animal motif pieces, 1 per type (minimum)
- Ingredients: Egg whites, sugar, coconut
- Best Before: Approximately 60 days
- Storage: Room temperature
- Allergens: Eggs
- Wheat: Not used
- Price: ¥1,200 (tax included)
A Sweet That Fits Inside the Aquarium's World
The aquarium is a place of encounters with living things. Meringue Coco aims to extend the lingering feeling of that experience without disrupting it — light, gentle, and quietly present after the exhibits have been seen.
It is designed not as a product that demands attention in a shop, but as one that continues the experience.
Tailored to Each Aquarium
The sweets are intended to adapt to the story of each individual facility. Whether it is a leaping dolphin, a parade of penguins, or a sea otter at mealtime — the design can be developed to reflect the animals that make each aquarium unique.
Rather than a product available everywhere across Japan, the aim is to create something that can only be found at a specific aquarium, becoming part of each visitor's lasting memory.
A Message from the Representative
Takahiko Mori, President and Representative Director, shared his thoughts on the initiative:
"It takes courage to entrust young people with a project like this. But without that challenge, there is no future.
The aquarium is a place where emotions move. There should be a confection that supports that lingering feeling.
I believe that designing every aspect of an experience — right through to the end — is the future of confectionery making."
