The Loneliest Sunfish in Japan Is Waiting for Visitors at the Shimonoseki Aquarium
Imagine leading an exciting life, busy making new friends each and every day, only to have it all vanish overnight. That’s the situation for a certain ocean sunfish at the Shimonoseki Aquarium Kaikyokan in Yamaguchi Prefecture (also known as the Shimonoseki Marine Science Museum or Shimonoseki City Aquarium). The aquarium has been home to this remarkable marine resident — a bulky, ocean sunfish, without a name or a definite gender — since February 2024. Initially thriving in its tank, the sunfish spent its days soaking up sunlight and feasting on jellyfish. But according to a report from the Mainichi Shimbun, life took a turn when the aquarium closed for temporary renovations.
Renovations began on December 1, 2024, and since then, the aquarium’s cherished sunfish has shown signs of distress. Once vibrant and lively, in a matter of days it became lethargic, losing its appetite and even developing the unusual habit of rubbing against the tank walls. Initially, staff suspected medical issues such as parasites or digestive problems. However, after exhaustive tests and treatments, one keeper proposed a surprising theory: could the sunfish be lonely?
While it’s not common to think of fish as emotionally sensitive, environmental factors and social interaction appeared to be the root of the problem. In a single day, the bustling crowds vanished, replaced by the vibrations and noise of construction work. Halting renovations wasn’t an option, but staff quickly set to work brainstorming ways to improve the sunfish’s mood — and appetite.
A Creative Solution to Cure Loneliness
Just a week after the aquarium’s closure, the staff discovered an unconventional remedy. They taped photos of human faces to the outside of the tank and displayed staff uniforms nearby, simulating the appearance of an eager crowd. Although they couldn’t eliminate the construction sounds, this visual trick seemed to do the job. By the very next day, the sunfish began eating again and gradually regained its energy.
The heartwarming recovery highlighted the sunfish’s curious and social nature. This particular fish has been a favorite among aquarium visitors since it arrived in Shimonoseki, and it developed a reputation for looking out at visitors as they peered into the tank. Keeper Mai Kato fondly recalled moments when the sunfish would actively engage with guests, adding, “When people come close to its tank, it swims over to meet them.”
Adding to the sunfish’s popularity, the story of its recovery has captured hearts as well. When Shimonoseki Aquarium shared the tale on social media, it garnered over 12 million retweets, proving just how much this lonely yet endearing creature resonates with people.
Plan Your Visit
Shimonoseki Aquarium Kaikyokan is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2025. Don’t miss the chance to meet Japan’s friendliest — and perhaps loneliest — sunfish. Add this unique destination to your Japan travel itinerary, and be sure to wave hello when you stop by its tank.
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