Japanese wildlife photographer Tokuyuki Hayakawa captured an ultra-rare white orca off the coast of Rausu, Japan, leaving some viewers questioning the authenticity of his stunning footage.
Rare White Orca Filmed off Japan’s Coast, Sparks Awe and Skepticism
Wildlife photographer Tokuyuki Hayakawa has stunned marine enthusiasts with his rare images and video footage of a cream-colored orca swimming off the northern coast of Japan. The encounter took place in Rausu, a coastal town on Hokkaido’s Shiretoko Peninsula, a location known for its rich marine life, particularly pods of orcas. Hayakawa, who spends between 40 to 50 days a year in the region documenting killer whales, described the moment as unforgettable. “This is the first time I’ve encountered a white orca after 15 years of photographing orcas in Rausu,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). The pale orca, along with another of similar hue, was spotted swimming in a pod of 20 to 30 normally pigmented orcas.
“My legs were shaking as I photographed the white orcas I met for the first time,” Hayakawa shared on Instagram. “It looked like a golden cream-colored orca gliding through the blue sea. I still think it was a dream.” Despite the beauty of the sighting, Hayakawa’s images stirred some controversy online. Critics questioned whether the photos were digitally manipulated, suggesting the ghostly appearance of the orca was a Photoshop creation. “We’ve received comments like ‘Fake?’, ‘Composite?’, or ‘Did they Photoshop it white?’” Hayakawa addressed skeptics in a follow-up post. “But we’ve done absolutely none of that.” To silence the doubters, Hayakawa shared accompanying video footage, clearly showing the cream-toned orca in motion—dispelling any doubts about the encounter’s authenticity. He also mentioned that he returned to the location and spotted the same orcas again in subsequent days.
As for the unusual coloration, experts believe the whale may have leucism, not full albinism. According to The Dodo, leucism causes partial pigment loss and typically results in pale or patchy coloring without affecting the eyes. In contrast, albino animals lack all melanin and often have pink or red eyes. The sighting adds to a growing list of rare white orca observations in recent years. In 2023, a white orca calf nicknamed “Frosty” was filmed off the coast of Southern California. Another orca photographer, Machi Yoshida, has also documented orcas across the globe, contributing to a growing community of those fascinated by these powerful marine mammals. Hayakawa’s encounter not only highlights the incredible biodiversity of Japan’s coastal waters but also reminds us of the ocean’s boundless surprises—some of which seem too magical to be real.
