Founders and Members

IJC Founders

Dr. Jurgen Lange: Born in Dessau,Germany in 1942. He studied chemistry, biology, marine biology, and physiology at the University of Munster and the University of Kiel. After working at the university of Kiel, he began his aquarium career at the zoological and botanical garden in Stuttgart. He was called for the renovation of the Zoo-Aquarium Berlin in 1977, was named vice director of the Zoo Berlin in 1988, and director in 2002. After resigning in 2007 he established azc (Aquarium Zoo Consulting Berlin-Tokyo). In Japan, Motofumi Tai serves as his consulting partner.
AZC official site

Dr. Yoshitaka ABE: Born in Tokyo, 1940. After graduating the Tokyo University of Fisheries, he started work at Ueno zoo. He was a researcher at Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research from 1968-69. After returning home, he worked in the Tama zoo, Tokyo Sea Life Park. Then in 2000, he was appointed director of the Aquamarine Fukushima. His major published work includes “Fishes of Kuwait” and more.
Aquamarine Fukushima official site

Tatsuo Murakami: Born in Tokyo 1939. He moved to his father’s old home at Tsuruoka and have lived there ever. He graduated from Yamagata university with a degree in agriculture, and began working at Kamo aquarium in 1966. And became director in 1967. His written work includes “The jellyfish in Kamo Coast” and more.
Kamo Aquarium Official site

Motofumi TAI: Born in Osaka 1979, studied law at Waseda University Tokyo. Professional animal, kids and zoo photographer, but also the publisher/chief editor of “Doubutsu-no-kuni (animal kingdom)” the worlds’ famous zoo magazine. He already visited more than 500 zoos and aquariums in the world. Now his photo project “KIDZOO” is on the tour exhibition all over the world. He is the official ambassador of Kamo-Aquarium.

KIDZOO official site
“Doubutsu-no-kuni” official site