At least from one angle, anyway.
If you were to ask a random person what shape a seal is, you’d probably get one of two responses. One is “Who are you, and what’s with the sudden marine mammal quiz?” More accommodating types, however, would probably answer that seals are vaguely cylindrical.
But Kyoto Aquarium recently shared a photo showing that seal shapes are a matter of perspective, since viewed from one angle they’re almost perfectly circular.
アザラシのヒカルの真正面ショット。見事にまんまるです。 pic.twitter.com/dQ8QKvs8ZC
— 京都水族館 (@Kyoto_Aquarium) August 28, 2016
That soft-looking circle of adorableness is Hikaru, a seven-year-old harbor seal and resident of Kyoto Aquarium. Recently, the staff snapped a photo of Hikaru, swimming in his tank, from directly ahead and level with the camera lens, calling him “magnificently round” and radiating warm fuzzy feelings throughout Twitter in Japan. Online comments have included:
“He looks like he’s floating in midair.”
“Is he a torpedo?”
“He’s a Tsum Tsum!”
This isn’t the first time Hikaru has found himself basking in the Internet limelight. Earlier this summer, he gave Twitter users a different view of his physique, “standing” at attention when the photographer came around.
▼ Don’t worry, this tube isn’t Hikaru’s entire habitat, just an extension of his more spacious living area.
直立不動のアザラシ、その名はヒカル。 pic.twitter.com/JUmkr7BrST
— 京都水族館 (@Kyoto_Aquarium) July 1, 2016
We’re sure plenty of celebrities and media personalities are now green with envy, since Hikaru’s multi-sided cuteness means he doesn’t have to worry about making sure he’s photographed from just one good side.
Related: Kyoto Aquarium
Source: IT Media, Twitter/@Kyoto_Aquarium

Kyoto Aquarium serving up cute breads…and tadpole soup?
Perfectly timed photo reminds us that life’s not all bad
Cheeky seal gets sled ride at Japanese zoo, decides he’s pretty much done with walking 【Video】
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
Family Mart’s Shibuya Cat Street shop hosts first-ever rescue cat photo exhibition for Cat Day
Skyscraper sized Pokémon cards to appear in Tokyo all year long in Tocho projection mapping event
Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service returns to theaters with first-ever IMAX screenings and remaster
Development of Puyo Puyo puzzle game for use in nursing homes underway
Japan has only one airport named after a samurai, so let’s check out Kochi Ryoma【Photos】
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Osaka icon loses legs, restaurant says famous crab is exhausted
This Hakata hotel is worth a little extra thanks to its all-you-can-eat steak breakfast buffet
These apartments are crazy-small even by Tokyo standards, and super-popular with young people
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is Sapporio’s Snow Festival awesome enough to be worth visiting even if you hate the snow? [Pics]
Japan has trams that say “sorry” while they ride around town…but why?
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Sakura Totoro is here to get spring started early with adorable pouches and plushies
Poop is in full bloom at the Unko Museums for cherry blossom season
Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Gate and Yamanote Line stairway locations change next month
Japan’s new “Cunte” contact lenses aren’t pronounced like you’re probably thinking they are
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says