Aquariums can be a lot of fun for visitors, but on this day no one was having a better time than this adorable marine mammal.
Do animals really have a firm concept of entertainment? Sure, walk into any pet shop and you’ll find toys for dogs and cats, but most of them have some sort of relation to chasing, catching, or biting, all things which all have connections to hunting, and thus survival, instincts.
And yet, it’s hard to imagine any reason for this sea lion in Japan to be sliding back and forth on her tummy than because it’s having an incredible amount of fun.
https://twitter.com/sumineko_L/status/780787366101262336As identified by video uploader @sumineko_L, that’s Risa, a California sea lion and resident of the Katsurahama Aquarium in Kochi Prefecture, on Japan’s island of Shikoku. Ordinarily, this part of Risa’s habitat is filled with water for her to swim about it, but the pool periodically has to be drained for cleaning, which is why it’s dry in the video. That doesn’t mean Risa has no reason to hang out there, though, and the aquarium’s official account even tweeted back that this is something she looks forward to every time the pool gets scrubbed.
She certainly seems to be having a great time, as no sooner does she come to a stop than she reverses direction, builds up a bit of momentum, and slides back to the other end of the pool, keeping her eyes on the aquarium’s visitors as if to say “See what I can do?” The music box-style background music is the icing on this adorable cake, and surely the scene had everyone who saw it in-person smiling serenely for the rest of the day.
▼ Or at least until they walked past the souvenir shop and saw Katsurahama Aquarium’s terrifying official mascot character.
Related: Katsurahama Aquarium
Source: IT Media, Twitter/@sumineko_L
Insert image: Katsurahama Aquarium


We score an exclusive interview with viral Twitter star Otodo-chan, Kochi Aquarium’s scary mascot
Japanese aquarium installs fake people to keep apparently lonely sunfish company【Video】
Japanese anteater’s commitment to stealing other animals’ food is hilarious, inspiring【Video】
Adorable Japanese cat uses owner’s finger as pacifier, soothes Japanese Internet’s heart 【Video】
Sushi Pizza surprises diners in one of the best food destinations in Japan
Mr. Sato takes a walk on Tokyo’s American-style street to get some American/Japanese ice cream
The Japan Burger Championship 2026 in Yokohama next month is the ultimate battle of the beef
133-year-old Japanese company’s cookies go beyond matcha with dashi and shichimi flavors
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Another side of Kyoto – The prefecture’s top 10 “road stations” for traveling foodies
Same name tops lists of most popular dog and cat names in Japan, and there’s probably a reason why
Tokyo’s insane Garlic Ramen is a meal, and an aroma, you’ll never forget[Taste test]
Tokyo restaurant offers lunches for less than 1 U.S. cent…if you’re good enough at rock-paper-scissors
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japanese pet owner’s precious cat and hedgehog combo are a perfect prickly pair【Video】