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2023.02.03 Series：Aqua Journal vol.328
IAPLC CREATOR’S FILE #01 Eri Tokusashi
IAPLC Creator’s File interviews top winners of the IAPLC, the world’s leading planted aquarium contest, and introduces the secrets of their progress and their passion for the planted aquarium hobby.
IAPLC 2022 WORLD RANKING 0011
Breezy Path
Aquarium Size W120×D50×H50(cm)
Aquatic plants: Eleocharis acicularis / Eleocharis parvula / Limnophila helferi / Glossostigma elatinoides / Staurogyne repens / Micranthemum sp. / Rotala rotundifolia ‘Hra’ / Rotala sp. ‘Hong Kong’ / Rotala sp. ‘Nanjean’ / Rotala wallichii / Rotala wallichii ‘Long Leaf’ / Rotala sp. ‘Vietnam Red’ / Pogostmon stellatus ‘Dassen’ / Pogestmon erectus / Ludwigia repens ‘Super Red’ / Ludwigia ovalis / Ludwigia arcuata / Myriophyllum sp. / Myriophyllum mattogrossense / Blyxa novoguineensis / Myriophyllum sp. ‘Trident’ / Fissidens fontanus / Vesicularia dubyana / Taxiphyllum sp. ‘Flame Moss’
Fish: Nannostomus beckfordi
Breezy Path
Aquarium Size W120×D50×H50(cm)
Aquatic plants: Eleocharis acicularis / Eleocharis parvula / Limnophila helferi / Glossostigma elatinoides / Staurogyne repens / Micranthemum sp. / Rotala rotundifolia ‘Hra’ / Rotala sp. ‘Hong Kong’ / Rotala sp. ‘Nanjean’ / Rotala wallichii / Rotala wallichii ‘Long Leaf’ / Rotala sp. ‘Vietnam Red’ / Pogostmon stellatus ‘Dassen’ / Pogestmon erectus / Ludwigia repens ‘Super Red’ / Ludwigia ovalis / Ludwigia arcuata / Myriophyllum sp. / Myriophyllum mattogrossense / Blyxa novoguineensis / Myriophyllum sp. ‘Trident’ / Fissidens fontanus / Vesicularia dubyana / Taxiphyllum sp. ‘Flame Moss’
Fish: Nannostomus beckfordi
I can keep my mind and body healthy by having a small nature separated by glass in the living space.
Q What made you get into the planted aquarium hobby?
I was shocked when Mr. Katsuki Tanaka, the leader of the planted aquarium team CAJ, showed me “Nature in the Glass” by Mr. Takashi Amano. It took my breath away that such a beautiful world could exist!
Q What do you find attractive about planted aquariums?
I find it fascinating that it is a way of expression that combines natural scientific and pictorial elements. I don’t think there is any other creation that suits my taste as well as this one. It is truly wonderful to have a small piece of nature, separated by glass, in my living space. I feel that my mind and body stay healthy because I can be in touch with nature daily.
Q Where do you get themes, motifs, and ideas for your layouts?
I get inspiration from the greenery in the neighborhood park and the roadside grass that I see when I go grocery shopping. I also get great inspiration from paintings of all ages and countries.
Q Please tell us about the key points in selecting aquatic plants and fish.
Since I am still inexperienced in the art of growing living organisms and aquatic plants, I choose hardy and popular species (popular ones are also preferable because they do not put pressure on the family budget). Of course, the color and the beauty and loveliness that fits my imagination is also a key factor in my selection. I love colorful aquatic plants that grow more and more. I feel their life force and they give me energy.
Q Is there anything that you always keep in mind while creating layouts?
I think it is to make the theme simple and clear enough to describe the work in a few words. And shadows and highlights must look cool! Aquatic plants should be in good condition and shiny. Ideally, when the judges see your work, they will be impressed and feel good about it.
I was shocked when Mr. Katsuki Tanaka, the leader of the planted aquarium team CAJ, showed me “Nature in the Glass” by Mr. Takashi Amano. It took my breath away that such a beautiful world could exist!
Q What do you find attractive about planted aquariums?
I find it fascinating that it is a way of expression that combines natural scientific and pictorial elements. I don’t think there is any other creation that suits my taste as well as this one. It is truly wonderful to have a small piece of nature, separated by glass, in my living space. I feel that my mind and body stay healthy because I can be in touch with nature daily.
Q Where do you get themes, motifs, and ideas for your layouts?
I get inspiration from the greenery in the neighborhood park and the roadside grass that I see when I go grocery shopping. I also get great inspiration from paintings of all ages and countries.
Q Please tell us about the key points in selecting aquatic plants and fish.
Since I am still inexperienced in the art of growing living organisms and aquatic plants, I choose hardy and popular species (popular ones are also preferable because they do not put pressure on the family budget). Of course, the color and the beauty and loveliness that fits my imagination is also a key factor in my selection. I love colorful aquatic plants that grow more and more. I feel their life force and they give me energy.
Q Is there anything that you always keep in mind while creating layouts?
I think it is to make the theme simple and clear enough to describe the work in a few words. And shadows and highlights must look cool! Aquatic plants should be in good condition and shiny. Ideally, when the judges see your work, they will be impressed and feel good about it.
Q Were there any difficulties or points you had to devise in the process of creating your work?
It is to handle heavy equipment and materials. It is hard because I don’t have the arm strength. A work for the IAPLC must be photographed from the front, so if it’s judged only with the naked eye, the result will be different from the image you have in mind. I try to check the positions of the left and right edges and the vanishing point in particular many times by photographing the image.
Q Do you have any secrets for winning awards on the contest?
I try to incorporate methods and new expressions that excite me. Aquatic plants and organisms will tell me if it is a bad idea or not. If it is not good, the aquatic plants may not grow well, or the fish and shrimp may look uncomfortable. I will take on the challenge while repeating the experiment and paying close attention.
Q If you belong to an aquarium club, please tell us about its activities.
I belong to CAJ (Creative Aquascape Japan). It is a place where the members can enjoy talking about aquatic plants frankly. We share ongoing layouts with each other and are greatly inspired by each other. It is a great strength to have friends who can work hard together.
Q Please give a message to all planted aquarium enthusiasts around the world.
I believe that the planted aquarium hobby is a great pastime with a lot to learn. Each time you learn what you need to know, your interest grows further. Just observing the plants and creatures in your aquarium will bring a good balance to your daily life. Let’s continue to have a lot of fun with planted aquariums!
It is to handle heavy equipment and materials. It is hard because I don’t have the arm strength. A work for the IAPLC must be photographed from the front, so if it’s judged only with the naked eye, the result will be different from the image you have in mind. I try to check the positions of the left and right edges and the vanishing point in particular many times by photographing the image.
Q Do you have any secrets for winning awards on the contest?
I try to incorporate methods and new expressions that excite me. Aquatic plants and organisms will tell me if it is a bad idea or not. If it is not good, the aquatic plants may not grow well, or the fish and shrimp may look uncomfortable. I will take on the challenge while repeating the experiment and paying close attention.
Q If you belong to an aquarium club, please tell us about its activities.
I belong to CAJ (Creative Aquascape Japan). It is a place where the members can enjoy talking about aquatic plants frankly. We share ongoing layouts with each other and are greatly inspired by each other. It is a great strength to have friends who can work hard together.
Q Please give a message to all planted aquarium enthusiasts around the world.
I believe that the planted aquarium hobby is a great pastime with a lot to learn. Each time you learn what you need to know, your interest grows further. Just observing the plants and creatures in your aquarium will bring a good balance to your daily life. Let’s continue to have a lot of fun with planted aquariums!
