EVENT 2026.11.05
ADA FESTIVAL 2026 Event Report
ADA FESTIVAL 2026 was held at ADA headquarters on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The venue welcomed many visitors from Japan and overseas for a variety of activities and stage events centered on Nature Aquarium. Over the two days, visitors enjoyed viewing aquascapes, exploring the ideas and techniques behind their creation, and meeting creators and fellow enthusiasts—experiencing the appeal of Nature Aquarium from a range of perspectives.
Here, we look back at the event, from the IAPLC 2026 results announcement and encounters with award winners to stage programs featuring SUIKEI Creators.1
The venue welcomed many visitors from Japan and overseas for a variety of activities and stage events centered on Nature Aquarium. Over the two days, visitors enjoyed viewing aquascapes, exploring the ideas and techniques behind their creation, and meeting creators and fellow enthusiasts—experiencing the appeal of Nature Aquarium from a range of perspectives.
Here, we look back at the event, from the IAPLC 2026 results announcement and encounters with award winners to stage programs featuring SUIKEI Creators.1
◆ IAPLC 2026 Public Viewing
On Saturday, October 10, a public viewing of the IAPLC results announcement was held at ADA headquarters in Niigata for the first time. Approximately 90 TOP300 award winners from Japan and overseas attended, along with more than 100 of this year’s IAPLC entrants.
For admission to the NA Gallery, TOP300 award winners received wristbands in a different color from those provided to general visitors, as well as special cards offered as an advance reservation benefit. These items served as mementos of their visit as they enjoyed the event.
On Saturday, October 10, a public viewing of the IAPLC results announcement was held at ADA headquarters in Niigata for the first time. Approximately 90 TOP300 award winners from Japan and overseas attended, along with more than 100 of this year’s IAPLC entrants.
For admission to the NA Gallery, TOP300 award winners received wristbands in a different color from those provided to general visitors, as well as special cards offered as an advance reservation benefit. These items served as mementos of their visit as they enjoyed the event.
At 1:00 p.m., the public viewing began, coinciding with the online announcement of the IAPLC 2026 results. Aquarists dedicated to planted aquarium layouts around the world came together to watch the announcement on a large screen.
Then came the announcement of this year’s Grand Prize winner.
When Chuanwei Yu of China was announced as the winner, a wave of applause filled the venue. Although Mr. Yu was not present that day, everyone gathered joined in celebrating his achievement.
Attracting entries from around the globe, the IAPLC is a highlight of the year for aquarists with a passion for planted aquarium layouts. The opportunity to share the results in real time made the public viewing a memorable occasion for the award winners and for visitors supporting the contest.
When Chuanwei Yu of China was announced as the winner, a wave of applause filled the venue. Although Mr. Yu was not present that day, everyone gathered joined in celebrating his achievement.
Attracting entries from around the globe, the IAPLC is a highlight of the year for aquarists with a passion for planted aquarium layouts. The opportunity to share the results in real time made the public viewing a memorable occasion for the award winners and for visitors supporting the contest.
After the public viewing, a special stage program was held to recognize the award winners. The top-ranked winners were invited onto the stage and presented with original commemorative brooches.
Three of the top-ranked winners attending the event also shared their joy at receiving their awards and spoke about the thoughts behind their works. Their heartfelt comments, delivered just after the results announcement, conveyed the time devoted to creating their aquascapes and the happiness of receiving recognition.
Celebrating together and hearing directly from the winners about their works are among the pleasures of gathering in person. It was a precious opportunity to feel the connections that aquascapes foster across countries and regions.
Celebrating together and hearing directly from the winners about their works are among the pleasures of gathering in person. It was a precious opportunity to feel the connections that aquascapes foster across countries and regions.
To finish, the award winners gathered for a commemorative photo!
Their bright smiles reflected the celebratory mood throughout the venue. Congratulations once again to all the award winners!
Their bright smiles reflected the celebratory mood throughout the venue. Congratulations once again to all the award winners!
◆ Stage Events Featuring SUIKEI Creators
In addition to the IAPLC programs, ADA SUIKEI Creators presented talk shows and layout seminars at the venue.
The SUIKEI Creators shared their approaches to aquascaping and layout techniques, revealing considerations and perspectives that are not apparent from viewing the finished works alone. Their discussions of the principles that guide their daily work and the points they focus on when composing a layout gave visitors a deeper understanding of Nature Aquarium.
In addition to the IAPLC programs, ADA SUIKEI Creators presented talk shows and layout seminars at the venue.
The SUIKEI Creators shared their approaches to aquascaping and layout techniques, revealing considerations and perspectives that are not apparent from viewing the finished works alone. Their discussions of the principles that guide their daily work and the points they focus on when composing a layout gave visitors a deeper understanding of Nature Aquarium.
Learning about the inspiration and experimentation behind a finished aquascape adds another dimension to its beauty and can change how we appreciate it. For visitors already familiar with Nature Aquarium, the programs offered fresh discoveries. For those interested in getting started, they provided a glimpse into the enjoyment and possibilities of creating an aquascape.
Viewing aquascapes in the NA Gallery and listening to their creators on stage—the chance to explore both the finished works and their creative background is a distinctive part of the ADA FESTIVAL experience.
Viewing aquascapes in the NA Gallery and listening to their creators on stage—the chance to explore both the finished works and their creative background is a distinctive part of the ADA FESTIVAL experience.
◆ Looking Ahead
Our sincere thanks to everyone who attended.
With Nature Aquarium as its starting point, ADA FESTIVAL brings together the pleasures of plants, craftsmanship, and meeting others. We hope the encounters and discoveries at this year’s event will spark new interests and bring further enjoyment to your daily aquarium life.
Planning for next year is already underway. We hope you will look forward to the next ADA FESTIVAL!
Our sincere thanks to everyone who attended.
With Nature Aquarium as its starting point, ADA FESTIVAL brings together the pleasures of plants, craftsmanship, and meeting others. We hope the encounters and discoveries at this year’s event will spark new interests and bring further enjoyment to your daily aquarium life.
Planning for next year is already underway. We hope you will look forward to the next ADA FESTIVAL!
