JAPAN: Santa Claus makes an early Christmas visit to a Tokyo aquarium riding on a moray eel

Record ID: 464186

  • Title: JAPAN: Santa Claus makes an early Christmas visit to a Tokyo aquarium riding on a moray eel
  • Date: 9th December 2006
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) REI TAKAHASHI, 22-YEAR-OLD STAFF SAYING: "I hope the fish liked it but honestly I am afraid that what they only want is food. And they may not be interested in my costume at all." TAKAHASHI PUTTING ON HER SANTA CAP AND FACE MASK AND GOING INTO A FISH TANK DIVER TAKAHASHI WAVING TO CHILDREN IN A FISH TANK CLOSE UP OF CHRISTMAS TREE WITH ENGLISH SIGN READING "MERRY CHRISTMAS"
  • Embargoed: 24th December 2006 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Japan
  • Country: Japan
  • Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz,Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
  • Reuters ID: LVAEJV3SZOI4SE7ZVJKE6356412L
  • Story Text: Dashing through the sea on a spotted moray eel, Santa Claus came to town at a Tokyo aquarium on Wednesday (December 6).
    Oh what fun it is to swim in a tank full of fish, eager for an early christmas gift -- or so the visiting children seemed to think at the Sunshine International Aquarium in downtown Tokyo, when Santa Claus in full red attire appeared swimming behind the thick fish tank glass to present the sting rays with a special snack of small fry in this regular seasonal event.
    "I liked it. It was fun especially when Santa appeared holding the moray eel," said five year-old Tomotaka Koseki, with eyes still transfixed on the aquarium even after Santa left.
    Parents say that while an underwater Santa may have seemed unconventional at first, it works wonders on stimulating the children's imagination.
    "As a mother I am very glad that he is enjoying it and working his imagination with it." said Tomotaka's mother, Hisae Koseki.
    Sting rays, however, were not the only lucky one's that day. All the fish in the tank -- whether good fish or bad, were presented with a popped balloon full of fishy goodies.
    "I hope the fish liked it but honestly I am afraid that what they only want is food. And they may not be interested in my costume at all," said Rei Takahashi, when asked whether the fish get into the Christmas spirit.
    The overall effect of Santa swimming with the fish proved to be a hit and surprise with both children and adults. ENDS.
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