Ghost of the Sea: Rare Albino Orca Spotted Off Hokkaido Coast Captured mid-leap by veteran wildlife photographer Noriyuki Hayakawa

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In the cool, misty waters off Hokkaido’s coast, something extraordinary broke the surface—a rare albino orca, leaping high above the waves. The moment, surreal and fleeting, was captured by Noriyuki Hayakawa, a veteran wildlife photographer and crew member of the Gojiraiwa Kanko Whale Watching team.

For Hayakawa, who has spent years out on these waters documenting whales and other marine life, it was a moment unlike any other.

“It felt like a dream,” he said. “You read about these things, maybe imagine them. But to actually see an albino orca—right there, in front of you—was unbelievable.”

The ghostly white orca stood out starkly against the grey sea and sky, a striking contrast to the rest of the pod swimming nearby. Albinism in orcas is exceptionally rare, making this sighting a remarkable event not only for those on the boat but also for marine researchers across the world.

The orca was first seen swimming with a pod of about a dozen other orcas. It appeared healthy and active, surfacing several times before vanishing into deeper waters. According to local guides, this may not be the first time the same orca has been spotted, but such clear and dramatic visuals are extremely rare.

Hayakawa, whose photography has been featured in several wildlife publications, said he had just seconds to frame the shot as the orca broke through the surface.

“It jumped—and I just reacted,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot out here, but this… this was something else.”

The photo has since been widely shared online, earning admiration from whale enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. Many are calling it a once-in-a-lifetime shot—one that captures both the mystery and majesty of the ocean.

Marine biologists say sightings like this help raise awareness about the diversity of marine life and the need for its protection. Albino orcas, due to their genetic condition, may face additional challenges in the wild, such as sun sensitivity and potential difficulty in social integration within pods.

Still, the orca seen near Hokkaido appeared strong, moving confidently with its group.

As for Hayakawa, he’s back on the boat again, camera in hand, eyes scanning the horizon. “That’s the thing about the ocean,” he said. “You never know what it’ll show you next.”