HAMANAKA, Hokkaido--Sea otters have pupped off Cape Tofutsu here in eastern Hokkaido. Four pairs of mothers and pups have been spotted since the beginning of July, in a community of up to 14 otters.

For all the change since 2011, this is the first time it’s properly felt like a new era, a team just pupped having to learn to stand on its own feet. There’s always relevance in results.