16/11/2006
NEWS STORY
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Super Aguri driver Takuma Sato recently took time out of his busy schedule to visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan to meet up with a very special dolphin called Fuji.
Takuma had read the remarkable story of Fuji in the book "Fuji, Jump Again" written by Rumiko Iwasada and he was very keen to meet her. Fuji had suffered from tail fin necrosis (localized cell decay) but with the help of Bridgestone's Chemical and Industrial Products Division and the Aquarium staff she was able to swim again with an artificial tail fin.
Takuma (left) swapped his race suit for a wet suit and jumped in the pool with Fuji, helping to fit her artificial tail fin. Under the supervision of Fuji's trainer, Takuma swam with Fuji and she showed off some of her favourite tricks. Takuma thoroughly enjoyed the experienced and rounded off the trip by sharing a hug with his new aquatic friend.
"I wanted to meet Fuji after I finished reading the book "Fuji, Jump Again". It was my first time to see a dolphin close up which was exciting enough, but I made a real connection with her when I put on the artificial fin," said Takuma.
"We swam and played together in the pool and she showed me some tricks. We became good friends and I gave her a hug at the end. I believe Fuji could only recover and swim again with the help of everyone at the Churaumi Aquarium; the enthusiasm and skill of everyone at Bridgestone; and the efforts of everyone involved in the project.
"I was delighted to be invited to the Aquarium. I would like to continue to support Fuji as much as possible in the future and hope to visit her again."