# ISSUE 17 The end of 35 years of history. Suma Aqualife Park Kobe, beloved by the local community, closes its doors.

2023.05

Suma, a part of Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, is a picturesque town surrounded by the Rokko Mountains and the sea. In ancient times, Suma was a popular scenic spot often mentioned in waka and haiku poems, and today it is a popular spot for hiking and swimming.
Suma Aqualife Park Kobe has been a longtime favorite in the Suma area, 35 years since its opening in 1987 (Showa 62), and 65 years including its predecessor, the Suma Aquarium. Known affectionately as Sumasui to the locals, the aquarium has been a place of recreation and relaxation where anybody can become familiar with sea otters, dolphins, penguins, a wide variety of fish, and many other living creatures.
Suma Aqualife Park Kobe has been loved by the local community for a long time. In June 2024, the aquarium is scheduled to make a new start as Kobe Suma Sea World.
This is a report on how the Suma Aqualife Park Kobe held a special event to express its gratitude for all the support it has received in the run-up to its closing.