Overview

• At least three leucistic killer whales, distinct from true albinos, have been confirmed in the waters off Hokkaido, Japan.
• Photographer Noriyuki Hayakawa captured detailed images of the rare orcas, showcasing their pale coloring and black eyes, which distinguish them from albinos.
• The sightings include an older whale first documented in 2021 and a younger female with visible scars, suggesting challenges in open-ocean survival.
• Scientists are investigating whether rising occurrences of leucism are linked to reduced genetic diversity in shrinking orca populations.
• The Hokkaido–Kunashir corridor has become a hotspot for rare marine wildlife, with tour operators and photographers playing a key role in documentation.