In October of last year, I was contacted by Masami Ukon, a senior producer from NHK (Japan’s National Broadcaster). She was scoping the idea of a documentary about IUU fishing and the SunFlower 7 case that I was involved with. She wanted to come to NZ and interview me… I had no idea what to expect, and I agreed as the curious man I am.
A series of emails continued; I presented her with all the other people involved. Then, in January 2025, I had an entire camera team filming me in my house and at a local beach in Waiheke! And then off to film my mate Moritz from Starboard
Almost suddenly, the documentary was aired and made available on the NHK website for worldwide viewing!
So yeah… I’m a bit overwhelmed.
I’m very self-conscious about my appearance and size, so I always prefer being behind the camera rather than in front, yet it was good to see the documentary yesterday.
The link to the NHK documentary in English is this one https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/3026026/
Big in Japan
I’m sure it is not strange for people used to it… but for me, seeing myself on a screen is weird… and has left me thinking a lot.
For starters, it made me realise (again) that, as a one-man band, I depend on the trust and appreciation of others.
Perhaps my early experiences in the armed forces and then shady organisations back in Argentina during the 1980s made me constantly uncomfortable working for institutions, but I am okay working with them. In reality, I work as a contractor for most international fisheries institutions, tech providers and some NGOs… and as such, I treasure my connections with people within these institutions more than the institutions themselves.
This is the main takeaway I have from the documentary you produced: It's all about people—from my friend Josu, the captain of purse seiner, to my colleagues in MIMRA, to Moritz, to Dominic, to friends in the Thai Department of Fisheries, who ultimately decided to deny port entry to the Sunflower 7. It's all about people doing their best.
I think the documentary portrays me as a bit of a lone wolf hero, which is a bit embarrassing yet really appreciated. I’m just a fortunate guy who does technical work in fisheries; in some areas, I feel I can contribute, and that is it. Yet, as Gandhi said, 'You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing, there will be no results.'
Needless to say, I will remain always thankful to Masami and the NHK team for this experience
Bonus: I would have never in my life expected to see myself on Japanese TV underneath clips of sumo wrestlers. Reality is always better than fiction!
