An ad from Otaru Aquarium that suddenly appeared in Sapporo is causing a stir. It features a sorrowful message that also includes the name of AOAO SAPPORO, a new urban aquarium opening in the city...

What a melancholic message... especially this part.

This single line really tugs at the heartstrings.

A Jab from a Veteran Aquarium? ...Or Is There More to Their Relationship?

Otaru Aquarium is a long-established institution that has been operating in Otaru City for over 60 years. In recent years, however, it has gained fame for its humorous exhibits, such as the "Seasonal Delicacies Tank" displaying edible creatures, and a penguin show where the penguins completely ignore the keepers' instructions.

This message, suddenly sent from such a unique aquarium to the much-talked-about new one in Sapporo, has been met with cheers from fans who saw the tweet and ad. Its charming and exquisitely painful tone has prompted comments like:

"So cute!"
"Now I want to go to Otaru Aquarium."
"This makes me love them even more."

But what many don't know is that there's a deep connection between the seemingly rival Otaru Aquarium and AOAO SAPPORO.