We all know long distance relationships can be hard, but that hasn’t stopped the ocean from getting in between human diver Hiroyuki Arakawa and Asian sheepshead wrasse Yoriko. Arakawa runs a local dive shop and has been trusted to look after a Shinto religion shrines, which happens to be under the water in Japan’s Tateyama Bay. Over the years, he’s gotten to know the aquatic neighbors quite well, but his friendship with Yoriko is a special one.
Arakawa started diving when he was 18 and still does at an impressive 78 years old. When he first met Yokiro over 25 years ago, the fish was not doing too well. She was injured and exhausted, unable to hunt for food. Being a kind human, Arakawa nursed Yokiro back to health. He fed her about five crabs every day for around 10 days. They formed a bond since then, with Yokiro recognizing Arakawa when he stops by her home near the shrine. Since he saved her, she’s been a friendly fish to any divers visiting the shrine, but only lets Arakawa pet her and they even sometimes have a little kiss! And a few selfies of course.
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