The Otaru Aquarium, a popular spot in Otaru, Hokkaido, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. While famous for its unique shows, did you know it also has a lineup of one-of-a-kind original merchandise?

I feel the need to periodically check out Otaru Aquarium's merchandise series for animals that aren't kept there but are just hanging around.

Source: Post by @nar_sasa

The description "They're just here on their own." is written on original mini-towels featuring a Slaty-backed Gull and a Black-tailed Gull. These animals, which are not kept by the aquarium but frequently wander onto the premises, have unexpectedly been turned into merchandise and joined the lineup in the souvenir shop.

Comments on social media include, "Hey, you're not a member here, are you? lol," "The phrase 'They're just here on their own' is so cute," and "This aquarium is too free-spirited." Those who have actually visited the aquarium added voices of agreement, saying, "Yeah, they're totally there like they own the place," and "This is exactly what it was like."

The "They're Just Here On Their Own" Series Was Inspired by a Staff Member's Comment

We spoke with Mr. Murakami, a staff member at the Otaru Aquarium, to learn more about the birth of this "They're Just Here On Their Own" series. The idea came up during a meeting to brainstorm new merchandise designs. A suggestion that "since there are crows, gulls, and black-tailed gulls in the Marine Mammal Park, they could be a good motif" led to the decision to create the products. Since these are not animals kept by the aquarium, a disclaimer sticker is carefully placed on the packaging to avoid any misunderstanding.

Original Mini-Towel: Black-tailed Gull (They're just here on their own)

The accompanying text, "*We do not keep this animal. It's just here on its own," adds an indescribably cute touch, and the items have become so popular that they sometimes sell out.

Original Mini-Towel: Sparrow (They're just here on their own)

Original Mini-Towel: Slaty-backed Gull (They're just here on their own)

Original Mini-Towel: Carrion Crow (They're just here on their own)

As for the crows, both "Large-billed Crows" and "Carrion Crows" visit the premises. The staff carefully investigated which species comes more often before creating the merchandise for the "Carrion Crow." This shows their incredible attention to detail, even for animals that are just there on their own.

Meet the Birds at Otaru Aquarium's "Marine Mammal Park"!

You can meet the birds featured in the "They're just here on their own" series at the Marine Mammal Park, located down the slope from the main aquarium building. In pools that make spectacular use of the natural sea, marine mammals like Steller sea lions, penguins, seals, and walruses live freely, and wild birds that live outside the aquarium also pop in for a visit. During showtimes, the wild birds sometimes snatch the food, which is part of the charm of seeing the animals in an environment that is as close to nature as possible.

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

*Merchandise can also be purchased from the online shop, "Penta's Souvenir Shop."

Otaru Aquarium

■Location: 3-303 Shukutsu, Otaru-shi
■Hours: March 16 (Sat) - October 14 (Mon), 2024, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
■Admission: Ages 16+ 1,800 yen / Ages 6-15 700 yen / Ages 3+ 350 yen (Regular Season)

See details and map for Otaru Aquarium on Domingo