A spotted seal at an aquarium in Hokkaido has captured the hearts of social media users, garnering over 70,000 likes. Its incredibly relaxing presence has left a trail of soothed viewers in its wake.

Women's Spotted Seal Freestyle

Source: @MuroranAquarium's post

With a smooth, gliding motion and a magnificent flip turn worthy of a competitive swimmer, this performance is aptly named the "Women's Spotted Seal Freestyle." Yet, there's a leisurely vibe to it, and its plump, jiggly skin is incredibly soothing to watch. Social media is buzzing with praise, with comments like "Such beautiful form," "So cute, looks like it's having a great time," and "Less freestyle, more 'free-spirit style'."

The Result of Three Years of Swim Practice: "Remarkably Polished"

This aquarium is the Muroran Minpo Minna no Aquarium in Muroran City. It's actually home to many other talented seals, like Satsuki-chan, who drums on a Kerorin bucket, and Moru-chan, who flaps its flippers to tread water when it wants food.

"Satsuki-chan and the Kerorin Bucket," which went viral on social media in 2023

The star of this spectacular freestyle performance is a spotted seal named "Hogo-chan." Hogo-chan's swimming talent was already showing glimpses back in 2021, but at the time, she was also known for being a bit rough, occasionally headbutting the other seals.

ロケット頭突き#頭突き被害者の会 pic.twitter.com/oEmjMAiqxK

— 室蘭民報みんなの水族館（市立室蘭水族館）【公式】 (@MuroranAquarium) October 9, 2021

Hogo-chan back in 2021

Regarding Hogo-chan's swimming technique, which has been honed over three years, aquarium staff member Mr. Takayama proudly states:

と、胸を張っています。

Staff member Mr. Takayama, who made the post

Your Best Chance to See the Graceful Turn is First Thing in the Morning!

This "Competitive Seal Freestyle" is a rare sight, only visible when the water level in the "Seal Pool" is low for a full water change and cleaning, which happens between 9:30 and 10:00 AM. Even during this time, if the seals aren't in the mood or are feeling sleepy, they might not perform at all. So, if you get to see it, it's your lucky day! It truly is a "free-spirit style."

The Seal Pool is full of talented performers!

Let's Go to Muroran Minpo Minna no Aquarium for Summer Vacation!

The Muroran Minpo Minna no Aquarium is known as the oldest aquarium in Hokkaido and offers a plethora of attractions, including nostalgic train-window-style fish exhibits, marine animal shows with seals and penguins, and a mini amusement park. You might even get to see rare deep-sea fish on sudden display! Why not add it to your summer vacation plans?