Noto Island in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture is believed to be home to the world’s northernmost population of southern bottlenose dolphins.
Satomi Sakashita, 62, who runs a cafe on the island where dolphins can be observed, has dedicated many years to their conservation. Despite challenges, including the dismissal of a new staff member following the Noto Peninsula earthquake, Sakashita remains committed to protecting marine animals.
Sakashita has always loved the sea. Her dolphin journey began in 2001 during a visit to Noto Island, where she saw two dolphins in Nanao Bay. “It was like a secret place just for me,” she remembers.
