Ryo Minemizu illuminates the incredible diversity of plankton on the coast of Japan – Huge
For Japanese marine photographer Ryo Minemizu, some of the world’s smallest creatures proved to be the most awesome. Capturing the bright tones and otherworldly traits of plankton (formerly), he scouted night dives in Japan and other Pacific regions for specimens and behaviors that had never been seen before.
“Although I can only dive into a depth of about 25 meters at most, every dive now has the opportunity to meet teenagers’ deep-sea fish and jellyfish in the form of teenagers that most humans have never seen before,” Minemizu told the Giant. “I’m lucky to work with researchers every year to report some of these outstanding findings.”
Recent findings include novel hydrogen-nitrogen species associated with jellyfish and corals, and a phenomenon of parasitic larvae collaborating on the construction of swimming colonies that attract hosts. Minemizu is increasingly encountering unpopular materials in the form of garbage (especially plastics), which can affect the distant marine life of the sea.
“We now often dive into ocean areas where humans have never taken risks, and even in such remote areas, we have discovered plastic waste from human activities,” Minemizu said. “I am deeply concerned about the very real and significant impact this has on the lives of these creatures.”
Minemizu is currently exhibiting the Blue Ocean Dome exhibition at the Blue Ocean Dome exhibition held at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan. “I’m talking about the current relationship between marine life and plastic pollution, sharing my photos and footage,” he said. “I sincerely hope that visitors to the fair will take the time to watch it.”
Minemizu also operates Black Water Dive, a series of short franchise adventures that invite participants to see rarely or brand new underwater creatures during the day and night (dive in “blue” and “black” dives). Find more on his website and on Instagram.
