Goldfishy paradise

Fact: Japanese people sometimes have awesome ideas. Tonight was no exception.  I mean, an exhibition of an unbelievable variety of goldfish in tanks that could pass for sculptures?  You could try to argue that that's not a great idea.  But you'd lose.

Tonight, two friends and I made our way to Nihon-bashi for the "Art Aquarium" event that's been going on for a few weeks.  I'm glad we got there early in the evening: we had no trouble getting in, but I've been told by two different people who tried to go last year that by the time they arrived there was a three hour wait to get in the door.

 

They take their goldfish pretty seriously.  As they should.

I'm crazy about goldfish, so I had the hardest time not plucking one out of the tanks and stuffing it into my bag.  Had to remind myself that it wouldn't make it home alive, which would defeat the purpose.  Below is one of my favorite pictures from the whole night.  My friend had no idea he was in the shot, but I like the way it turned out.

Some of the most beautiful pieces on display included kimonos with goldfish motifs, as well as a good old fashioned byoubu--or folding screens--this time with a very modern twist (yes, the fish are real):

Well worth the trip...but seeing so many beautiful fish tonight has got me fighting the urge to head to the pet store tomorrow.