Otters contest cuteness election as Japan goes to polls
TOKYO — A “general election” is now under way to choose the most popular otter at aquariums and zoos across Japan.
Sunshine Aquarium in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, is leading the event, the first of its kind in Japan, which involves the “candidacy” of 79 otters and five groups of otters from 36 zoos and aquariums. Online voting continues through Oct 9.
“It’s a contest of cuteness,” an organizing official said. “We want a lot of people to participate in the vote.”
According to Sunshine Aquarium’s management company, otters are popular for their cute movements and facial expressions.
The event has drawn many comments on social media sites operated by the company for animal lovers.
“We thought people might feel closer (to the animals) if popular otters across the nation competed via their cuteness,” an official from the management company said.
The animal’s public profile has risen following the August discovery of a wild river otter in Japan, the first such sighting in 38 years.
Anyone can vote in the election, which started on Aug. 31. Photos of the candidates from 36 aquariums and zoos, including Asian short-clawed otters and Eurasian otters, have been uploaded to a special website.
Yamato, a 4-year-old river otter, is one of six otters representing Sunshine Aquarium in the vote. The frolicking creature has captured the hearts of visitors and aquarium staff with his facial expressions and glistening eyes when facing cameras. His profile reads: “100 percent cunning; every move is calculated.”
A public relations official for the aquarium said: “Yamato is social. He knows how to make cute poses. Please vote for him.”
Four otters from Oita Marine Palace in Oita are also in the running. One of the competitors is Kenpi, a 4-year-old male river otter called a “naughty brother with a heart-shaped birthmark” in reference to the distinctive mark on his chin.
“He likes putting his face against the glass. He’s a naughty but adorable otter,” an official at the Oita aquarium said.
Participants can vote multiple times but only once a day. The winning otter’s aquarium or zoo will be presented with a trophy.