Island nations have a unique relationship with the sea, and for Japan these connections often manifest themselves through its culture and cuisine. This can make an aquarium visit doubly interesting: Come for the fish, stay to watch the visitors as they admire each tank's inhabitants with a unique mixture of awe and appetite.

"Look," says a child, pointing to one of many sea creatures. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

"Oh yes," says the parent. "Beautiful. And it's making me hungry."