Tama Rokuto Science Museum in Nishitokyo, Tokyo, will hold the summer special exhibition "Touring Exhibition: Cute, Weird & Amazing! The World of Spineless Sea Animals" from July 18 (Sat) to August 31 (Mon), 2026.
The exhibition is a traveling show organized by the National Museum of Nature and Science, introducing the diverse and mysterious world of "spineless animals (invertebrates)" that inhabit the sea.
While the animals most people typically picture when they think of "animals" — those with backbones — actually make up only a small fraction of the animal kingdom, the sea is home to a vast variety of spineless creatures such as jellyfish, octopuses, and shellfish, each with unique and fascinating ecological traits. This exhibition showcases these animals' amazing, cute, and sometimes oddly endearing appeal, alongside materials from Tama Rokuto Science Museum.
The venue also features worksheets, coloring pages, and photo spots where visitors can pose as explanation panels, making it an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
Exhibition Overview
| Title | Summer Special Exhibition: Touring Exhibition — Cute, Weird & Amazing! The World of Spineless Sea Animals |
| Dates | July 18 (Sat) to August 31 (Mon), 2026, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM *July 21 (Tue) is a closed day |
| Venue | Tama Rokuto Science Museum, Event Hall |
| Admission | Museum admission fee only (Adults: 520 yen, Ages 4 to high school: 210 yen) *Linked events require separate registration and fees |
| Organizers | Tama Rokuto Science Museum, National Museum of Nature and Science |
| Special Cooperation | The Museum of Maritime Science "Marine Learning Museum Support" |
| Cooperation | Association of Japanese Science Museums, General Foundation for the Promotion of Science Museums in Japan |
Related Events
Lecture
Are These Animals Too? The Mysterious World of Marine Invertebrates
Lecturer: Hiroshi Namikawa (National Museum of Nature and Science, Department of Zoology, Marine Invertebrate Research Group, Group Leader)
Date: July 26 (Sun), 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Venue: Tama Rokuto Science Museum, Science Learning Room
Target: 4th grade elementary school students and older
Capacity: 48 people *No entry for non-participants
Fee: 500 yen
Application: Lottery *Deadline: July 13 (Mon)
Details and applications here
Observation
Look Carefully and It's Full of Shells!? Discover Micro Shells from the Sand
Date: August 8 (Sat), ①11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, ②2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Venue: Tama Rokuto Science Museum, Science Learning Room
Target: Elementary school students and older
Capacity: 12 groups per session (up to 2 people per group) *Children in 3rd grade or below must be accompanied by a guardian *No entry for non-participants
Fee: 400 yen
Application: Lottery *Deadline: July 24 (Fri)
Details and applications here
Lecture
Careful Observation! Sea Urchins and Starfish
Lecturer: Hayato Tanaka (Kasai Rinkai Aquarium, Breeding and Display Division, Education and Outreach Section)
Date: August 23 (Sun), 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Venue: Tama Rokuto Science Museum, Science Learning Room
Target: Elementary school students *Children in 3rd grade or below must be accompanied by a guardian
Capacity: 24 people *Up to 1 guardian may accompany
Fee: 500 yen
Application: Lottery *Deadline: August 10 (Mon)
Details and applications here
