Inside a Japanese Diver’s 25-Year Friendship With a Local Fish

Hiroyuki Arakawa and Yoriko the sheepshead wrasse go way back.

June 25, 2017 5:00 am
Hiroyuki Arakawa and Yoriko.
Hiroyuki Arakawa and Yoriko. (YouTube)

This is a match made in an underwater haven.

Hiroyuki Arakawa is the de facto caretaker for an underwater Shinto shrine in Japan’s Tateyama Bay, according to Atlas Obscura. He first met Yoriko, an Asian sheepshead wrasse, more than 25 years ago over the course of several dives; since then, their friendship has blossomed. Today, Arakawa can bang on a piece of metal underwater and Yoriko will zip over to come say hello, though Yorkio isn’t afraid of giving a few nips in between Arakawa’s kisses. Take a look.

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