Otters have become a rising star in Japanese zoos and aquariums in recent years. Due to the influence of television programs and social media, as well as online elections held in 2017 and 2018 to vote for a favorite otter from aquariums and zoos, the otter boom occurred, leading to an unprecedented increase in demand for pet otters and illegal trade. On the other hand, Japan was once home to the Japanese Otter Lutra whiteleyi, which is thought to have already extincted. Even though the otter that occurred in Tsushima in 2017 made big news, most of the younger generation have no idea that the Japanese Otter was once habituated in Japan. At the same time, sea otters Enhydra lutris have been among the most charismatic animals in aquariums. Over 100 individuals were kept domestically at the peak, but only two captive sea otters are kept now, which has led to a second sea otter boom. Meanwhile, in Hokkaido, sightings of sea otters have gradually increased since 2014. By synthesizing previous studies and newspaper articles on otters and sea otters, this paper reviewed the history and current status of otters in Japan, both in the wild and in captivity. Although the otter boom and the sea otter boom in zoos and aquariums are often considered negative, their popularity throughout the country also has a positive impact on their conservation. Researchers and conservationists have received a large amount of donations from the public to continue the otter research. However, both the reintroduction of the river otter and the sea otter in Hokkaido are facing numerous challenges. Further conservation management plans, legislative support, and financial backing are needed from policymakers to establish the sea otter population in Hokkaido and reintroduce the otters to Japan.
Xi Chen (Sun,) studied this question.