Creating a comfortable facility with LED graphic units (Notojima Aquarium)

Notojima Aquarium in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture, suffered various forms of damage from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, including sinkholes, structural damage, water leaks, and flooding. The impact affected not only the exhibits but also visitor circulation and facility infrastructure. While prioritizing safety and proceeding with restoration work, the aquarium has placed strong emphasis on creating an environment where visitors can feel secure and comfortable. Taking the recovery process as an opportunity, the aquarium has also implemented measures to enhance overall comfort —such as clearer guidance and improved ease of navigation. As part of these efforts, our LED Graphic unit “LEDS HIGHLIGHT” was introduced as directional signage within the facility.

This installation is one of our ongoing collaborative initiatives with Notojima Aquarium. We have previously worked together on projects to enhance the appeal of their exhibition spaces, such as the light-up effects for the giant tank and the lighting effects for the sardine tank. Even while advancing recovery efforts after the earthquake, the aquarium’s unwavering desire to “convey the joy of the marine world to visitors” led to the adoption of this new directional signage.

― About Notojima Aquarium ー　（From the brochure）

We primarily keep and exhibit fish that inhabit or migrate through the waters near the Noto Peninsula, such as whale sharks. With a wide variety of events including dolphin and sea lion shows, penguin walks, and the Sound and Light Fantasia for red sea bream, visitors can enjoy themselves so much that they lose track of time. It is also a participatory aquarium, offering hands-on experiences such as feeding and interacting with creatures like dolphins.

Our first visit was to Ishikawa Prefectural Citizens' Communication Public Corporation, a public interest incorporated foundation that manages and operates the Notojima Aquarium. Through the operation of prefectural facilities such as aquariums and parks, the organization plays a key role in supporting community recreation and interaction, and it works daily on maintaining the facility environment and planning operations.

―
Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule today. How are the tanks with the floodlights you installed last time?

Mr. Tsuchida
The sardines are still sparkling beautifully under the floodlights, and the light shining into the shark tank creates a wonderful sunlit effect. We are very satisfied.

―
I'm relieved to hear they're swimming energetically. This time, you've introduced our LED  Ggraphic units as directional signage. Could you tell us what led to this decision?

Mr. Tsuchida
As part of improving the facility environment, there was a strong initiative to “make better use of LEDs.” Adding light—not just signage—helps guidance stand out in various areas, and visitors naturally notice it at their feet as well. The colors used in the artwork were also chosen to match the style, making it very easy to see in person.

―
Our products feature bright, highly visible Graphic despite their compact size, thanks to their high light utilization efficiency. We're glad you were able to experience that firsthand. What future applications are you considering?

―
Children encountering creatures while following the light... Just imagining it makes for a truly wonderful experience. Because this aquarium is so beloved by the local community, I’m sure such ideas will resonate deeply. In creating events, are there any moments that you find particularly “memorable” or “heartwarming”?

Mr. Tsuchida
I've been doing this job for about 30 years, and seeing visitors happy is still the most rewarding part. I visit inns and tourist information centers to place pamphlets, coordinate with Ishikawa Prefecture, and so on. Believing that these efforts lead to visitors’ smiles is what keeps me motivated. As we continue moving toward recovery, I want to keep building on what I can do to spread the appeal of the Noto Peninsula, even just a little bit.

―
It's clear that for these 30 long years, you've consistently centered your work around "guest satisfaction." We'd be truly delighted if our lighting design could contribute to that in some way.

Mr. Tsuchida
We want to remain an aquarium cherished by Ishikawa Prefecture. While being one of only four aquariums in Japan where you can encounter whale sharks is certainly a feature, what truly matters is being a place where locals and children think, “I want to come back again.” We want to actively share that appeal going forward.

After leaving Communication Public Corporation, we headed next to the Notojima Aquarium. We were able to see the atmosphere inside the facility and observe its daily operations firsthand while also hearing from the staff on site.

―
It's been a while. Thank you for choosing our products again. I heard your role has changed since last time. What kind of work are you doing now?

Mr. Yabune
As you know, I previously worked in animal care, but I am now responsible for equipment management. I check that the facilities are operating normally, conduct water quality tests, and perform blood tests on certain animals.
If any equipment malfunctions, I contact the service provider to request repairs. Recently, I've also been mentoring younger staff members.

Mr. Yabune
When LEDs first became trendy, I had the impression that LEDs were “fragile,” and to be honest, I did not view them very positively. But now, rather than being prone to breaking, they've become indispensable for creating a better environment. This drawing is also very good.
It has become much easier for visitors to find the restrooms, and because the  graphic are at floor level, they are visible from a distance without relying on conventional signage. This has made guidance easier for international visitors and significantly reduced the burden on staff. Previously, it was quite difficult to explain things to people who didn’t understand the language.

―
The fact that the floor graphics provide "guidance noticeable from a distance" is a significant change. Hearing your explanation, I understand it functions not just as something easier to see, but as a "universal sign" that naturally communicates to customers who may have language barriers.

Mr. Yabune
The LED drawings are projected from the ceiling, allowing the images to remain perfectly clear and distortion-free. Moving forward, we'd like to use them more for hallway signage throughout the facility. We're also interested in using Stanley's gold floodlights for the sardine show. Since sardines have mirror-like bodies, the golden light should make them look even more beautiful.
We would also like to restart our nighttime aquarium events. Previously, guides were required, making staffing difficult, but utilizing this LED drawing system will reduce that burden. With COVID-19 calming down, we hope to eventually make this happen.

Mr. Yabune
Safety is our top priority. There are many things that require constant attention, such as leaks in the tanks or deterioration of the building. Even minor changes cannot be overlooked. The daily accumulation of inspections and confirmations creates an environment where visitors can enjoy themselves with peace of mind. We want both the animals and our guests to experience the full charm of this aquarium in the best possible condition.

【Ishikawa Prefectural Citizens' Communication Public Corporation】
Address: 920-036
2nd Floor, Building 2, Industrial Exhibition Hall, Seibu Ryokuchi Park, 193 Minami, Fukurohatacho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture 920-0361
Phone： +81-076-268-6222

【Notojima Aquarium】
Address: 15-40 Notojima Magari-cho, Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture 926-0216
Phone：+81-0767-84-1271

LEDS HIGHLIGHT

LED Graphic Unit / LLM1546Ａ
Compact LED Graphic Unit that can smartly illuminate letters and designs with light

Number of Units: 1 blue, 1 red, 3 white (5 total)
Application: Directional signage (Toilet pictogram, Dolphin and sea lion show signage)

OLYMPIA LIGHTING FIXTURES INDUSTRIES ,LTD manufactured ceiling-mounted fixtures with integrated drawing units for us.