Dawn’s Call: Revealing The Depth Of Japanese Fishing Culture
Why do people wake up early to go fishing?
Yeah, you’re right.
I remember occasionally waking up early to go walk outside. Even when it was still dark, I saw herds of people carrying poles to the harbor.
Yes, we did live near the sea. But still, it was a sight to behold.
But as I started to answer your question today, I also had to think about the ‘why?’.
And for me, this question has two parts that needs to be considered.
1). The first being why does it have to be so early?. Can’t they just wake up later to go?
2). And two being Why do so many people fish near their homes?
Why so early??
To put it simply, it becomes easier to catch fish.
Before sunrise, the plankton that live in the water become active and float towards the surface.
Fish, looking to eat plankton, follow the movement of plankton and begin to swim upwards.
When they swim towards the surface, the fishermen have an easier time catching them.
Okay… But you still need to have the skills to catch the fish.
Remember when we went early and didn’t catch anything 🙂
And there’s another point that goes along with this one.
It’s to guarantee a fishing spot.
The Japanese often like to fish at the sea-wall, but since the sea-wall is public property.
Getting a good fishing spot is a matter of getting there first.
And for that you need to wake up early, and go fish early.
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I think you know a little more about why people go fishing early now.
So let’s take a deeper look into Japanese fishing culture itself.
Japanese Fishing Culture
Japanese fishing culture has been set to have started 400 years ago, during the Edo period.
The Image you see above illustrates fishermen fishing in Ochanomizu river in Tokyo.
Ochanomizu, at the time, was close to the Edo-Castle (Now the imperial palace). And it acted like the engine, the heart, of the period. Living close to the central city while being able to fish nearby.
I think they used fishing as a way to have some fun. And as it closely became more routine, fishing became more represented in manga and movies.
For example, the manga (Fisherman Sanpei) has over 50 million purchases. (below)
While the movie (Tsuribaka Nishi) is a series with over 20 versions – making it a long time favorite. (also below).
Unfortunately
Fishing and having fun near where you live isn’t all fun and games.
That culture itself is not entirely healthy. There is the issue of pollution along with over-fishing. The introduction and continuous breeding of black-bass has been bad for Japan’s ecosystem.
I know that, even in Japan, there is going to be stricter rules enforced in the future. That said, I am not trying to criticize those that like leisure fishing.
I think moments like these are what truly represents Japan.
Uniquely Japan
There is an example in the form of Tanago fishing.
Tanago is a small fish, from 5 ~ 10cm (at the largest).
For a small fish, you need a small fishing rod.
And sometimes, some of the rods you see look like the ones used as Harry Potter Wands. In this small fishing rod, you see all the small commitments that Japan makes. For reference, the high-quality rods can cost upwards of $1000 and more. (See Below)
And it’s really interesting. Those that have no interest will not understand. But you can really see Japan’s attention to detail, even for catching fish 5cm and smaller.
I have been overseas many times throughout my life, but I have never seen such a small fishing rod. And leaving these Japanese traditions in Japan is what leads to Japan’s value going up.
For tourists, where else can they find an ultra expensive fishing rod to catch fish 5cm or less??. I would say that’s a unique experience only to Japan.
And while I did change the question. Japan’s fishing is not purely about protecting culture or addressing environmental issues. Japan’s uniqueness comes from trying to integrate both and making it sustainable.
That is the true Japanese way of doing things.