Two baby Asian small-clawed otters born on February 6, 2026 at Minami-Chita Beach Land (Mihama-cho, Chita-gun, Aichi Prefecture) have been given the names "Hinoki" and "Sawara" — with Sawara on the left and Hinoki on the right.
The names were selected from 705 public submissions collected between April 25 (Saturday) and May 17 (Sunday). The winning entry was submitted by Yokoyama Daichi, a resident of Higashiura Town. The inspiration behind the names: "February 6, the day the two were born, is known as 'Furo no Hi' (Bath Day) in Japan. It made me think of hinoki (Japanese cypress) and sawara (Japanese falsecypress) — woods commonly used in bathhouses. The names feel elegant and have a lovely ring to them."
A naming ceremony is scheduled at the park on June 7, 2026 (Sunday), where the names will be officially announced.
Naming Ceremony: "Hinoki" and "Sawara"
Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026
Time: 1:15 PM (approximately 10 minutes)
Location: Asian Small-Clawed Otter Pool area
Ceremony Program:
- Official name announcement
- Commemorative gift presentation to the naming person
Visitor Giveaway (First 50 guests)
Guests who participate in the naming ceremony will receive an original sticker. (First 50 guests only)
Limited Merchandise (50 items / 500 yen per turn)
After the ceremony, an original badge gacha will go on sale at the Whale Shop inside the park.
Otter Profile and Current Status
- Date of birth: February 6, 2026 (Friday), confirmed at 9:00 AM
- Sex: Male
- Weight: Hinoki 1,634g / Sawara 1,689g (as of May 30, 2026)
- Parents: Father: Asari (3 years old) / Mother: Lorraine (7 years old)
- Current status: The family now swims together in the large pool and enjoys playing with their caretakers.
Note: Event details are subject to change or cancellation without notice depending on the animals' condition.
