Otaru Aquarium, a hugely popular spot in Otaru, Hokkaido, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It's famous for its unusual shows, but did you know that it also has a unique lineup of original goods?

Otaru Aquarium doesn't keep them, but they're there so I want to check out the merchandise series on a regular basis.

Quoted from @nar_sasa's post

The original mini towels featuring the Slaty-backed Gull and Black-tailed Gull are accompanied by a note stating, "They're here on their own." These animals, which are not kept as pets but often wander into the premises, have unexpectedly been turned into merchandise and are now joining the ranks of the aquarium's souvenir corner.

Comments on social media include, "You're not a member here, are you lol," "The 'I'm here on my own' phrase is cute," and "This aquarium is too free," while people who have actually visited the aquarium have expressed their sympathy, saying, "Yes, they're here like they own the place," and "This is really what it was like."

The "Katte ni Iru" series was born from a comment made by a staff member

We spoke to Murakami, a staff member at Otaru Aquarium, about the birth of this "I'm Here" series. The idea was born during a meeting to think up new designs for merchandise. "We have crows, seagulls, and black-tailed gulls at the Marine Mammal Park, so why not use those as a motif?" This led to the decision to make merchandise. As these creatures are not kept in captivity, there are warning stickers on the packaging to avoid any misunderstanding.

Original mini towel: Black-tailed Gull (I'm here by myself)

The accompanying message, "*We are not keeping these animals, they are here on their own," is indescribably cute, and the item has become so popular that it is sometimes out of stock.

Original mini towel sparrow (it's here by itself)

Original mini towel: Black-backed gull (I'm here by myself)

Original mini towel Carrion crow (I'm here by myself)

Both "carrion crows" and "big-billed crows" come to the premises, so the staff carefully researched which species visited more frequently and then created goods featuring "carrion crows." This shows the staff's commitment to the animals that live there.

Meet birds in the Marine Mammal Park area of Otaru Aquarium!

You can meet the birds that appear in the "Right There" series at the Marine Mammal Park, located down the hill from the main aquarium building. In the pool, which makes dramatic use of the natural ocean, sea creatures such as sea lions, penguins, seals, and walruses live freely, and wild birds that live outside the aquarium also drop in to play. During showtime, wild birds sometimes steal food, which is an attraction as you can enjoy a scene that is as close to nature as possible.

After enjoying the show, be sure to check out the merchandise at the souvenir shop!

*Goods can also be purchased at the online shop "Penta's Souvenir Shop."

Otaru Aquarium

■Location: 3-303 Shukutsu, Otaru City ■ Business hours: March 16th (Sat) - October 14th (Mon) 2024 9:00-17:00 ■Price: 1,800 yen for ages 16 and over / 700 yen for ages 6-15 / 350 yen for ages 3 and over (regular period)

See details and maps for "Otaru Aquarium" on Domingo