Sakana-kun (born Masayuki Miyazawa, August 6, 1975) is a Japanese illustrator, ichthyologist and television personality based in Chiba Prefecture. Largely self-taught, he is known for his trademark boxfish cap and a jacket decorated with fish. He has drawn fish since elementary school and has also worked as a public promoter of fish consumption in Japan.
Early life
Sakana-kun has drawn pictures of fish since elementary school. He describes himself as a poor student whose grades were not sufficient for university study in marine biology. He worked at pet stores, fish stalls and sushi shops before establishing his current career. At one sushi shop, the owner told him he lacked the skills to succeed there but recognized his artistic talent and asked him to paint large fish pictures on the restaurant's walls.
Public activities
In 2011, he was a visiting associate professor at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology and worked with the Japanese government to promote fish consumption, aiming to help the struggling fisheries industry. In February 2020, he testified before a House of Councillors committee on changing fish habitats caused by environmental problems. Because headgear is normally not allowed in the upper house, he received special permission to wear his boxfish cap.
Film adaptation
In 2022, Shuichi Okita's film The Fish Tale was released, based on Sakana-kun's autobiography. Critics have described it as a heartwarming story about a lovable outsider, reflecting his non-mainstream life. He is the son of Goro Miyazawa, a 9-dan professional Go player.