Composed in 2010. Premiered by Hiroaki Ooi.

When I compose, I often envision the character of the performer and the scene in which the work is being played; this piece is one such example.

In the spring of 2009, I watched a BS broadcast featuring Mr. Ooi performing a collection of Beethoven's works, including the Grosse Fuge, for which I had assisted with some arrangements, on various period instruments. Several instruments, ranging from the clavichord to the fortepiano (though some may have been smaller than a grand piano), appeared to me as if they were embraced by the performer. This impression remained unchanged even when I observed his piano performance up close. A pianist who does not confront the instrument, a performer capable of embracing the piano, is exceedingly rare, and this is undoubtedly his unique quality. It felt very natural, then, that I saw a superposition of adorable yet formidable marine mammals—sea otters, Steller sea lions, fur seals, sea lions, etc.—in his figure. Incidentally, I just recalled that Toru Takemitsu admired whales.

This piece concludes with a happy ending, enveloped in happiness amidst the celebratory dance of the marine mammals.