Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems(GIAHS) Application
Overview
Agricultural System Name: The Ayu of Nagara River System(The Connection Between Ayu and the People of the Satokawa)Applicant Organisation:
Nagara River Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Promotion Association
Country/Area/Region:
Japan, Gifu Prefecture, Upper and Central the Nagara River(Gifu City, Seki City, Mino City, Gujo City)

Gujo City

Mino CityTokyo

Gifu City

Seki City

Gifu Prefecture is located in the heart of Japan, with the Nagara River flowing
through four cities in its central region.
Access to the Capital and Major Cities:
To Tokyo: 2 hours 10 minutes by Japan Railway Shinkansen and Tokaido Line
Approximately 4 hours 45 minutes by car
To Nagoya: 20 minutes on the JR Tokaido Line
Approximately 50 minutes by car
Area: 1,824 km2
Agricultural and Ecological Classification:
Temperate, inland fisheries, paddy rice, upland crops
Topological Characteristics: Forests, rivers, and the surrounding plains
Climatic Classification: Temperate humid climate
Population: 577,000 (March, 2013)
Number working in agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries: 6,052
Primary Income Sources: Agriculture, forestry, fisheries, commerce and tourism
Ethnic Groups/Indigenous Peoples: N/AExplanation of Agricultural Heritage System
On the upper and middle courses of the Nagara River located in Gifu
Prefecture exist thriving inland fisheries which revolve around a species ofJapanese sweetfish called “ayu” (Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis). Despite flowing
through urban and residential areas, the pristine Nagara River that runs throughthe site’s centre boasts an abundance of clear, high quality water, and is also
considered one of Japan’s three clearest rivers. The people of the region
receive the river’s bounty and in turn strive to conserve it for future
generations.
Ayu are a migratory species that move between oceans and rivers and can only
inhabit remarkably clean water. The ayu of the Nagara River in particular havelong been considered a local specialty and were crucial to the development of
the region’s food culture, as well as traditional fishing techniques such as
cormorant fishing. Indispensable to the fisheries products, processing, andtourism industries, ayu are an integral part of many peoples’ livelihoods.
The landscapes of the Nagara River and ayu are not just the pride and joy ofthe local people, but essential to their daily lives as a source of drinking andirrigation water as well. The locals seek to conserve them by nurturing forests
and water sources so that the quality of the water, as well as the habitat for ayu
and many other rare species of fish, can be conserved. Thus, the Nagara Rivercan be called a satokawa, which through proper maintenance and sustainable
use by the local people possesses economic and spiritual value, and supports
the conservation of biodiversity.
This connection between the river, ayu, and people of the region is integral to
the synergy of the local lifestyle, aquatic environment and fisheries resourcesthat makes the Nagara River system an invaluable GIAHS. The Nagara Riversystem provides useful insights for addressing the global problems of pollution,water shortages due to population growth, and rapid industrialisation, as well
as how to maintain sustainable fisheries.
In order to conserve the ayu of the Nagara River, we seek GIAHS designation
so that we may share this agricultural model with the world, contributing toissues such as the conservation of aquatic environments, biodiversity, andresources vital to fisheries industries.

The Ayu of Nagara River System-The Connection Between Ayu and the People of the SatokawaDespite flowing through urban areas, the river boasts various fish population centred around ayu, as well as clear waters
A sustainable system intrinsically linking the lives of the people, the water environment and the fisheries resources

Pristine Waters
One of the three great bodies of water in Japan despite flowing through an urban area
・An outstandingly rich volume of water achieving the top class water quality
・Supporting the livelihoods of the 860,000 people in its basin

An Abundance of Ayu
Forestation Activities
Conservation of forests and water resources
・Cultivation of forest activities by fisheries groups
and citizens
・Thinning in order to prevent the soil erosion
・Expansion of fish breeding forests

The Nagara River boasts a great number of ayu
which form a strong brand・The highest number in Japan combining yield andbreeding
・Exquisite balance of taste, aroma and bitterness
・Gujo ayu is unique as a trademarked brand

SummerAutumnAyu fully mature

Ayu spawn and theirlife come to an end

Effort to Conserve the River
Conservation of biodiversity and landscapes
・Water vessels which ensure the water is clean andvalued・Vegetable growing areas which prevent soil loss
・Environmental conservation efforts by NPOs andcitizens

Ayu and Water Culture
A sense of culture and value given to the basin
・Traditional fishing techniques
・The long, traditional practice of cormorant fishingremaining unchanged
・Traditional crafts made with agricultural products
and water

SpringAyu Nurtured by Links to Forests, Rivers and the Sea

Winter

Fry swim upstream

Efforts to conserve the habitats of ayu and stocks of the fish
・Stocking and hatching efforts at the river mouth
・Releasing ayu fry sourced from the indigenous ayu population
・Maintaining the fishways for aquatic species migrating between
river and sea

Juveniles develop
in the sea

The environment is conserved through the appropriate use of the Nagara River. It flows the satoyama1 andthe satochi2 and can thus be called a “satokawa3 ”. The system of intrinsic links between the lives of thepeople, the water environment and the fish resources on the satokawa is known as the “Nagara River
System” which will be shared with the world.

Domestically：Improving the brand power of ayu and agricultural goods, strengthening the environment around theriver and continuing with the construction of the Ayu Park.
Abroad：Dealing with water shortages, the conservation of ayu, a fish found only in East Asia, and promoting theculture and sustainable export of the fish.
1 Woodland areas in the mountains near human settlements; important as habitation zones and for natural resources.
2 Regions consisting of farmlands and ponds in mountains and forests surrounding the settlements that manage them.
3 Rivers flowing through human settlements that are maintained through the appropriate use and conservation of theenvironment surrounding them.

Table of Contents
I. Characteristics of the Proposed GIAHS

1

Global (National) Importance1

1. Food and Livelihood Security

5

2. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions

7

3. Knowledge Systems and Adapted Technologies

15

4. Cultures, Value Systems and Social Organisations (Agri-culture)21

5. Remarkable Landscapes, Land and Water Resources Management Features

26

II. Other Social and Cultural Characteristics Pertinent to
the Management of the Agricultural System

30

III. Historical Relevance31

IV. Contemporary Relevance33

V. Threats and Challenges

36

VI. Practical Considerations

40

VII. Dynamic Conservation Plan for GIAHS Selected Site

44

References

46

Appendix
Location of the Site

49

Agricultural, Forestry and Fisheries Products Diversity List

50

Biodiversity List (Animals)

52

Biodiversity List (Plants)

54

Explanation of Agricultural System

I. Characteristics of the Proposed GIAHS
Global (National) ImportanceAt this site, where inland fisheries
revolving around the ayu (Plecoglossus
altivelis altivelis, commonly known assweetfish) and other fishes flourish, theNagara River (image 1) and its pristine waters
are conserved as part of the lifestyles of thepeople (see Appendix 1). Both the river andthe ayu are deeply connected to the region
economically, historically and culturally.

Image 1: The Nagara River, Mt. Kinka and Castle Town Area
(Important National Cultural Landscape)Ayu is placed in the monotypic family (Plecoglossidae) in the order Salmoniformes intaxonomy. The unique morphological characteristics of ayu are its comb-like teeth andits sail-like dorsal fin. It is basically an amphidromous fish that moves between rivers
and sea and grows to a maximum length of 30cm over its one year life span. Its rapid
growth is related to its habitat and it has a feeding territory based on the algae attached tostones. The dominant individuals that claim the territory can control food supplies in thearea, and the territorial holders attack intruders intensely. Their comb-like teeth areuseful for feeding and their sail-like dorsal fin grows gradually.

This cycle that occurs on the Nagara River combines the peoples’ lifestyles, theaquatic environment and fisheries resources to constitute a “satokawa” system that is
worth introducing to the world.

The existence of this “Nagara River System” depends largely on three very importantfactors that make the cycle possible.

a) Initiatives to conserve the water and aquatic resources occur as part of people’s daily
lives and economic activities. As a result, even rivers that flow directly through urban
cities and towns maintain a high level of water quality and biodiversity.

1b) Through the conservation of the aquatic environment and the area’s traditional
fishing methods, inland artisan fishing that relies on ayu and other migratory fish isable to thrive, maintaining the productivity of the agriculture, forestry and fisheries
industries.
c) Flourishing historical culture and related production industries developed as a resultof conserving the region’s pristine waters, agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
i) What is a Satokawa?
Literally, the word satokawa means sato, referring to a settlement of human activity,and kawa, meaning river. Thus the satokawa is not a river that is preserved in an
untouched natural environment, but conserved through the proper management offorests, the implementation of flood protection measures and regular cleaning, existingas an important part of the local lifestyle. Economically valuable as a source of waterfor everyday use, irrigation and for its indispensability to fisheries, the Nagara River
also possesses sentimental and spiritual value as a source of leisure, a crucial element of
the area’s many beautiful landscapes, and for its historical and cultural significance. The
satokawa also conserves biodiversity, flowing from the satoyama above to the satochi
that lie below.

ii) Nagara River Overview

The Nagara River region supports a population of 860,000 people (1), and the riveritself is designated one of the “Selected 100 Exquisite and Well Conserved Waters” by
the Ministry of the Environment despite flowing through urban centres. It is also the
only river in the country to be counted among Japan’s “88 Best Bathing Spots” (2) andis also known as one of the nation’s three most pristine streams of water. The Nagara
River and the ayu it nurtures are the centre of a thriving inland fishery that led to thedevelopment of traditional artisan fishing methods such as cormorant fishing, Gujo
fishing, shoal net fishing and night net fishing, which have been passed down fromgeneration to generation. Amongst them, there are records of cormorant fisheries datingback as far as the Nara (710 - 784) and Heian (794 - 1185) periods, and the cormorantfishing that is practiced on the Nagara River now is said to have remained virtuallyunchanged since the Muromachi period (1392 - 1573).

2

Furthermore, the culture surrounding the agriculture, forestry and artisan fishing has
manifested in the form of traditional arts that continue to be passed down, such as Gujo
honzome dyeing, Mino Washi Japanese paper, Gifu wagasa Japanese umbrellas andGifu chouchin paper lanterns (see Historical Relevance chapter). Their development ismade possible by the limpid waters and the agricultural and forestry products that arebountiful in the region.

The water that flows through the Nagara River has supported both the local culture
and the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries, but its high quality has not only
been maintained due to natural conditions such as precipitation or the steep topography.
Spiritual beliefs such as the worship of Mt. Hakusan in the Nagara River region, fromwhich the river water originating surrounding Mt. Hakusan has supported the people’s
daily lives, agricultural activities and traditional culture of the local people since ancient
times, and the desire to deliver pure water downstream has been passed down to thisday. One such practice devised by the people along the upper course of the Nagara
River to keep the water clean was the creation of the mizubune (see The Management ofLand and Water chapter), a communal watering spot that is divided into multiple levels.
The top level is for drinking water, which flows to the middle level meant for rinsing
vegetables or fruits, and then to the bottom level where the water is used for washingdishes or linens. Before the water flows downstream, the food scraps are eaten by carps
which are kept in the nearby waters. This is one example of how routine practices help
to maintain the water’s purity. Moreover, there are also ongoing initiatives by thefisheries and local government bodies in the central region of the river to care for theforests and protect the water’s source, as well as activities along the upper Nagara River
to conserve the forests. Citizen groups spearhead cleanup and nature conservation
movements.

This process of circulation on the Nagara River intertwines the lifestyles of thepeople, aquatic ecosystems and the resources of the artisan fishing industry and is asystem worthy of introduction to the world.

iii) Ayu Resources
Ayu, the symbol of the Nagara River, is a migratory fish that moves between rivers
and seas. The juveniles raised in the sea make their way upriver in the spring, live their3

lives and grow up in the bountiful and clear river waters. They once again travel
downriver in the autumn to spawn, where they lay eggs and end their short life span of
only one year. The juveniles that hatch from those eggs then move to the sea in lateautumn and live in coastal areas until spring. The ayu is designated Gifu’s prefectural
fish and is not just a means by which many in the artisan fishing industry make theirliving or a target for recreational fishing in the areas it swims, but is also culturally
connected to the lives of the people in the prefecture.

Ayu also inhabit places other than Japan such as China, South Korea, Taiwan andvarious regions across Southeast Asia (3). However, because they are a migratory fishthat live for only one year, they are highly vulnerable to changes in their environment.
During the rapid economic expansion and accompanying pollution and overfishing in
Taiwan in the 1960s, ayu had completely disappeared from there for a time.

While ayu may account for the second
largest yield of river fish in Japan (4), thesubspecies of ayu that inhabited Okinawa’s
mainisland(Plecoglossus
altivelis
ryukyuensis) is now extinct (5) and thenumber of habitable rivers for ayu havedecreased due to environmental changes anddiseases, causing a sharp drop in the total
yield of ayu (graph 1).

20,000(t)

15,00010,000
5,000
0
1989

1994

1999

2004

2009

Graph 1：Changes in the Total Yield of Ayu in Japan

However, due to ongoing efforts to conserve the Nagara River’s ecosystem, such as
the continued release of genetically consistent fry into the waters and taking steps toconserve fisheries resources through disease prevention initiatives, the yield of fishfrom the Nagara River has remained constant. Environmental integrity is necessary inorder to secure the conservation of the ayu life cycle, which requires an abundance ofpure and high quality water, proper structure of shoals and deep waters, varied types ofriverbed gravel and uninterrupted connection between river and sea. This environmentis also linked to the conservation of other migratory species such as red spotted masu
trout (Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae) or the Japanese mitten crab (Eriocheir japonica),
which are also caught using the distinct fishing methods found on the Nagara River,which despite flowing through crowded cities maintains its bountiful fisheries resources4and biodiversity. Moreover, the Nagara River environment which ayu inhabit also
supports the continued inhabitation of several other freshwater species, making the area
not just a valuable fisheries resource but a globally significant site for learning how tomaintain and conserve biodiversity.

iv) Issues Surrounding the Aquatic Environment and the Nagara River System
Aquatic environments the world over are changing due to climate change pressuresfrom global warming, population growth and the increased demand for water indeveloping nations seeking economic growth. It is said that more than 700 million
people currently suffer from water shortages worldwide (6), and it is anticipated that the
problem will only continue to worsen. Moreover, due to the improper treatment anddisposal of waste water generated by citizens, factories and industries, some areas of theworld are facing grave issues with water pollution.

In a world where people are confronted with serious problems surrounding thequality of drinking water, water shortages, fewer resources available to fisheries and thedevelopment of forests, the cyclical system on the Nagara River could possibly serve asa model for how to conserve the water, ecosystems and provisions surrounding rivers
through sustainable use. We expect that the cyclical system of this site could be used asa possible solution to the ongoing problems concerning water and natural resources
around the world.

1. Food and Livelihood Securityi) Food Security

Inland fishing is an important source of animal protein worldwide. Rivers and lakes
in Japan are narrow, and the resources available to inland fisheries are limited.
Nevertheless, inland waters play an important role as a source of various freshwater fish,
as well as a means by which people engaged in commercial or recreational fishing cancommune with nature and conserve the natural environment.

5

The Nagara River is home to a thriving inland fishery industry that centres around theayu, accounting for the second greatest yield amongst all river fish in Japan. 216 tonnesof ayu are caught annually with an additional 871 tonnes produced through aquaculture(4), making Gifu Prefecture the top production centre for ayu in the country.

In particular, tomozuri live decoy
fishing is popular upriver in Gujo City,and the Gujo Fisheries Cooperative1 that
holds jurisdiction over fishing in the area
is unique in that it has established its own
cooperative shipping system. Blessed bya steep current and clear water, “GujoAyu” (image 2, left) boast not only
perfect shape, but they are also renowned Image 2: Gujo Ayu (Registered as a Regional Collective Trademark)for their firmness, aroma and taste. In
2007, it became the very first river fish to be registered as a Regional Collective
Trademark by the Japan Patent Office (image 2, right). The Gujo Ayu brand has
continued to grow and was awarded the grand prize at the “Clear Water Ayu Tasting
Festival” in 2008 to determine the most delicious ayu in all of Japan.
1 While inland fisheries cooperatives receive licenses from the governor that permit members to engage in fishingbusiness, the Gujo Fisheries Cooperative determines the usage of natural resources managed through regulations
concerning fishing methods, what times of year fishing is allowed, and what size of fish are acceptable to catch. They
also bear the responsibility of increasing the natural resources through the release of fry that are targets of theartisan fishing.

Furthermore, the abundant and clear waters of the Nagara River and its branches
irrigate rice paddies located throughout the site’s 11,000 hectare area, making it
essential to the production of rice. The lands along the river have also seen a great
accumulation of sand and soil, making the land perfectly suited to growing fruit trees
and vegetables. This area in particular produces the third largest yield of fuyu
persimmons (Diospyros kaki ‘Fuyu’) and is the most commonly harvested variety ofpersimmon in the country (7).

6ii) Securing Income

Ayu are significant not just to the local artisan fishing sector, but are also an
important tourism resource as part of cormorant fishing and are deeply connected to the
local food culture, thus making the scope of their industrial importance quite wide. The
total revenue of ayu across the entire prefecture comes to 2.2 billion yen ($18.3 million
USD) per year. The fisheries cooperatives receive 300 million yen ($2.5 million USD)
per year from 220,000 people in fishing license fees, with fishing on the Nagara Riveraccounting for roughly half of the total (8).

Cormorant fishing, a tourist attraction that revolves around the observation of ayu
fishing, attracts 110,000 people a year who spend a total of 300 million yen ($2.5
million USD) boarding the viewing boats. 90,000 people visit yana fishing spots a year
to enjoy ayu cuisine (9, 10), which when all combined with the 1.1 billion yen ($9.1
million USD) made from the leveraging of artificially spawned ayu makes for an “ayuindustry” that comes in at approximately 4 billion yen ($33.3 million USD) per year.

There are 15,399 members in the fisheries cooperatives for the four cities locatedalong the middle and upper courses of the Nagara River (Gujo City, Mino City, Seki
City, Gifu City), totaling 2.7% of the total population, which is much higher than theprefectural average of 0.6% across the nation. These statistics show that there are aparticularly large number of people that rely on fishing on the Nagara River as a sourceof income (11, 12, 13).

2. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functionsi) Biodiversity of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Industriesa) Aquatic LifeThe biodiversity of the inland fisheries area on the Nagara River is connected withthe sea. Ayu are a migratory fish that are raised in the sea, after which the fry swim
upriver to mature in the abundant water provided by the forests, where they lay eggs andend their one-year life span. Moreover, a sea-run variety of salmon called the red
7

spotted masu trout (image 3) spends half the year in Ise Bay, which connects to thesouthernmost point of Nagara River, before climbing upriver in the spring, whereas thefourspine sculpin (Cottus kajika) (image 4) and the Japanese mitten crab (image 5)
travels downriver to the sea for breeding in autumn. Both of them, as well as otherfreshwater creatures, are valuable targets of the local fisheries.

Image 3: Red Spotted Masu Trout(Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae)[Courtesy of: Aqua Totto Gifu]

Image 4: Fourspine Sculpin(Cottus Kajika)[Courtesy of: Aqua Totto Gifu]

Image 5: Japanese Mitten Crab
(Eriocheir japonica)

Along the upper course of the Nagara River, the water temperature is low and thecurrent is swift with connecting rapids and trenches, making it a habitat for salmonid
species that prefer cold water like red spotted masu trout (landlocked form) or
whitespotted char (Salvelinus leucomaenis). This same habitat is also home to manyother popular targets of mountain stream fishing. Furthermore, in the central area where
the water level is higher and the shape of the river constitutes of a combination of rapids,
shallows, deep trenches and pools, the water is of a slightly higher temperature andsupports a variety of species focusing mainly on ayu, but also including Japanese dace
(Tribolodon hakonensis), pale chub (Zacco platypus), the delicate loach (Niwaelladelicata) and more (9).

Many species of fish make their home in the Nagara River (see Appendix 2), with thefollowing 17 species complex being targets for fishing: Ayu, whitespotted char, redspotted masu trout, Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica), Japanese dace, pale chub,common carp (Cyprinus carpio), Japanese barbell (Hemibarbus barbus), crucian carp
(Carassius spp.), weather loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus), delicate loach, Japanese
minnow (species complex of genus gnathopogon or squalidus), Japanese catfish(Silurus asotus), freshwater goby (Rhinogobius spp.), Japanese sculpin (Cottes spp.),
freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense) and Japanese mitten crab (11).

8b) Agricultural Products
The abundant and pristine waters of the Nagara River (and its branches) irrigate ricepaddies throughout the site’s 11,000 hectare area, contributing to the sustainableproduction of rice, which is a major commodity of the region. One of the varieties ofrice called Hatsushimo (Oryza sativa) is noteworthy for being a traditional variety ofrice that has been cultivated in Gifu Prefecture for over 60 years. It is grown exclusively
in Gifu and Aichi prefectures, with Gifu dominating 99% of the total yield.

Moreover, due to the fact that the lands along the Nagara River have seen a great
accumulation of sand and soil due to many floods, the land is also perfectly suited to
growing fruit trees and vegetables. Persimmons (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) are one ofGifu Prefecture’s most important agricultural products and have been harvested as far
back as the Heian period (794 - 1185), with written record stating the governor of theprefecture’s southern region would make offerings of dried persimmons to the imperial
court (14).

The tannin in persimmon juice that is made from astringent persimmons is the main
ingredient necessary for the creation of a material important to dyeing and has long been
known as a specialty product of Gifu Prefecture, being used to increase the durability ofJapanese washi paper and to prevent fishing nets from corroding. Due to this connection
with the traditional craft of Mino Washi, a Japanese handmade paper produced in thisarea, as well as the artisan fishing, persimmon cultivation has continued since long ago.

In the Meiji period (1868 - 1912), the locale wasconsidered suitable to the production of persimmons andtheir cultivation was therefore encouraged, leading to
the discovery of a variety of sweet persimmon known as
the fuyu persimmon (image 6), which is native to the
Nagara River area.

9

Image 6: Fuyu Persimmon(Diospyros kaki 'Fuyu')Image 7: Moriguchi Radish(Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus)

The cultivation of traditional vegetables also thrives
in the Nagara River region, and the moriguchi radish(Raphanus sativus L.) (image 7) that can reach almost
1.5 meters in length saw an increase in cultivation
moving into the Meiji period (15), being used primarily
for pickling (image 8). Producers cooperate withnursery companies, securing seeds in order to maintainthe moriguchi radish’s particular shape. In addition,
initiatives are also in place to maintain continued
cultivation through making it a brand and certifying it
as a “Hida and Mino Traditional Vegetable” of theprefecture.

Image 8: Pickled Moriguchi Radish

Other items that have also been certified in this way
include shima burdock (Arctium lappa L.), sengoku
beans (Lablab purpurea [L.] Sweet), and thegoboumeshi dish made using shima burdock is a
traditional form of cooking that has been passed down,preserving the area’s local food culture (16).

Further items suited to the region’s soil include spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.),
radishes (Raphanus sativus L.), green soybeans (Glycine max L.), strawberries(Fragaria × ananassa Duch.), taro (Colocasia seculenta [L.] Schott) and more, with thenumber of items cultivated totalling 10 different vegetables in addition to various
flowers. These items are shipped year round, making the area an intensive production
centre.

c) Biodiversity
The geography of the Nagara River region has plains as low as 10 meters above sea
level to plateaus over 1,700 meters in height. Climates include warm temperate zones,
moderate temperate zones, cool temperate zones and subalpine zones, with the
combinations of geography and climates making it possible for a wide variety of species
to inhabit the area.

10

Having long engaged in inland artisan fishing focusing mainly on the ayu, the local
people have benefitted from the bountiful resources of the Nagara River and its
surrounding nature for many years. Feeling gratitude towards the mountains and thewater, the people strive to conserve the environment that has blessed them so. Citizen
groups and fisheries cooperatives engage in initiatives to maintain water sources byplanting forests, living lifestyles that conserve the clear water of the river’s upper courseand sustain the genetic diversity of the ayu.

Such a wide variety of living creatures are able to inhabit the Nagara River region
because of the ongoing efforts of the people who, while using the environment to its
fullest, also seek to conserve and maintain it.

d) Plants

One of Gifu Prefecture’s distinct characteristics is its extremely high proportion offorested land, with 80% of the upper and central the Nagara River regions covered inforests (17). Forests are composed of evergreen like Japanese chinquapin (Castanopsis
cuspidata [Thunb.] Schottky) and Japanese blue oak (Quercus glauca Thunb.),
Siebold’s Beech (Fagus crenata Blume) and Japanese oak (Quercus crispula Blume, Q.
serrate Thunb. ex Murray), and evergreen conifers such as Japanese red pine (Pinus
densiflora Sieb. et Zucc.), Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica [L. f.] D. Don) andhinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa [Sieb. et Zucc.] Endl.). A wide variety of trees
can be seen all the way from the warm temperate zones up to the subalpine zone (seeAppendix 3).
The region’s heavily wooded zones store ample rainfall,with the water that flows from mountainous areas down
into the plains creating an abundant river ecosystem.
At a natural woodland area (satoyama) called
Dachibokubora in Gifu City, the clear waters of the
Sakashima River gush forth from Mt. Kinka. The Japanese
spatterdock (Nuphar subintegerrima [Casp.] Makino), a
vulnerable species of plant that is listed on the Ministry of
the Environment’s Red List, grows along these pristinewaters (image 9).
11

Image 9: Japanese Spatterdock(Nuphar subintegerrima (Casp.) Makino)e) Aquatic Life

This area does not border the ocean and has no large natural lakes, but the riverside
region that flows from the river’s source to the plains downstream possesses a myriad ofaquatic environments with a wide distribution of fish species, including fishes that swim
through mountain streams and favour cold water, as well as fishes that prefer brackish
water in warmer environments (see Appendix 4).

The Nagara River is home to migratory fish suchas ayu, red spotted masu trout and different speciesof goby and sculpin that climb up from the Pacific
Ocean, as well as the bagrid catfish (Pseudobagrus
ichikawai) (endangered species; image 10) that isdesignated a natural monument by the nation.
Additionally, the southern plains region has many
rivers and ponds that make favourable homes forsmall freshwater fishes such as the dwarf topmouth
minnow (Pseudorasbora pumila subsp. 2) (criticallyendangered species; image 11), which is included on
the Ministry of the Environment’s Red List.

Image 10: Bagrid Catfish(Pseudobagrus ichikawai)[Courtesy of: Aqua Totto Gifu]

Image 11: Dwarf Topmouth Minnow(Pseudorasbora pumila subsp. 2)

There is also high biodiversity amongst amphibians,
with Japanese giant salamanders (Andrias japonicus)(special natural monument, vulnerable species; image
12) and clouded salamanders (Hynobius nebulosus)
inhabiting the area.
Image 12: Japanese Giant Salamander(Andrias japonicus)

Ayu are a migratory fish and therefore have a very large inhabitation zone, which isalso inhabited by other endangered species such as the bagrid catfish and the Japanese
sculpin, as well as other animals like the Japanese giant salamander. Ayu inhabit allstages of the river all the way from its upper to lower courses depending on their stageof development, and the very initiatives intended to conserve the ayu resources and riverenvironments also directly contribute to the conservation of inhabitation zones for many12other rare species that live in the Nagara River region.

f) Mammals

There are a wide variety of mammals that
inhabit the forests stretching across the region’s
mountains, plains and subalpine areas. The
presence of so many small mammals like moles,
bats and mice in addition to large mammals likeblack bears (Ursus thibetanus) and Japaneseserows (Capricornis crispus) (national special
natural monument; image 13) is indicative of thearea’s bountiful natural environments.

Image 13: Japanese Serow(Capricornis crispus)g) Birds

Japanese robins (Erithacus akahige) and red-flanked
bluetails (Tarsiger cyanurus) use the coniferous forestsof the subalpine region for breeding, and the regions
connecting mountains and plains are home to northerngoshawks (Accipiter gentilis fujiyamae) (nearthreatened species; image 14), ural owls (Strix
Image 14: Northern Goshawk
uralensis), Japanese pheasants (Phasianus versicolor)(Accipiter gentilis fujiyamae)(Courtesy of Mr. Yukitoshi Otsuka)
and more. Birds whose habitat lies along the water’sedge live and reproduce in riverside regions. Many species of the Anatidae family, suchas mandarin ducks (Aix galericulata) and grebes (Tachybaptus ruficollis), can be seenalong the lower course of the Nagara River, where they pass the winter months.

It is through the efficient coexistence of humans and nature that a great number of
threatened animal species (4 critically endangered species, 19 endangered species, 63
vulnerable species and 62 near threatened species) are able to inhabit the region.

13ii) Ecosystem Functions

Despite supporting a population of 860,000 people, the Nagara River is counted
amongst the three clearest streams of water in Japan, with the quality of the waterflowing through the upper course of the river being such that it met the environmental
quality standards1 required to be designated AA class, with the lower course of the river
being A class (18). The Nagara River (the central area) has also been one of the nation’s
Selected 100 Exquisite and Well Conserved Waters by the Ministry of the Environment
since 1985.

1 Environmental quality standards are a means of evaluating water quality with respect to five parameters: pH, BOD,
SS, DO and TC (total coliform). The water’s purity is then classified as one of six possible levels, with AA class being
the highest and E being the lowest.

The reasons why the quality of the Nagara River’s water has been able to be
maintained are several-fold. Flowing swiftly throughout the 166 kilometre stretch fromits origin point of Mt. Dainichigatake to the mouth of the river, the river’s main current
passes through fixed farmlands and settlements and is not dammed. It is also blessed bypurification effects due to an abundance of ground water.
Moreover, this is made possible not simply due to natural factors, but also thankslargely to the people along the upper course of the river who live lifestyles that aim toconserve the area’s pristine waters. Locals also conduct nature beautification initiatives
along the river’s central region.
The Nagara River possesses such an abundanceof water because of the mountainous areas being a
region that sees some of the most rainfall
nationwide with 3,000 mm of precipitation
annually (19), and because 90% of the city of
Gujo (a city along the upper course of the river) is
forested (image 15).

14

Image 15: View of Mt. Dainichigatake fromTakasu-cho, Gujo CityA river must satisfy several natural conditions in order to make it a favourable
environment for raising ayu, including an ample supply of the attached algae that ayu
feed on, regions suitable for spreading feeding territories, an abundance of high-quality
water, a gravelly riverbed that can be used as a spawning ground, and it must also
connect to the ocean. In this respect, the upper course of the Nagara River has manylarge stones in the river with great variations in the current between shallows andtrenches, while the riverbed in the central area is packed with small rocks. All theconditions required for raising ayu are assembled here.

3. Knowledge Systems and Adapted Technologiesi) Knowledge Systems and Adaptationsa) Traditional Fishing Techniques

Many traditional techniques for catching ayu exist on the Nagara River, including
cormorant fishing, Gujo fishing, shoal net fishing, night net fishing and yana fishing.
Since Japanese cormorants (Phalacrocorax capillatus) capture as many fish that enter
their line of sight as possible, fewer ayu escape than in other fishing techniques. When
compared with net fishing that occurs in set locations, ayu can be captured more easily
and efficiently by moving on boats along shallow areas where ayu live. Since ayu perish
the very instant when they are snapped up by the cormorant, ayu captured this way areparticularly fresh. Important nowadays mostly for tourism purposes, there are records
indicating that as many as 335,000 ayu were caught in a single season back in the Meiji
period (1868-1912), and were an important source of income for cormorant fishingmasters (20).

Ayu, in order to secure the attached algae that are their primary food source, establish
feeding territories that are one square meter in size. Should other ayu enter this territory,
they slam against them in order to force them out. Tomozuri, a kind of live decoy
fishing, exploits this behaviour and is a standard technique amongst ayu fishers.
Tomozuri, along with other techniques to catch fish such as red spotted masu trout, are15

collectively known as Gujo fishing (image 16), which
is well known amongst fishermen nationwide.

This highly efficient technique requires theobservation ability necessary to read the flow of theriver, using specially modified fishing tools such asrods and nets to pull snared ayu from the water in asingle movement. This technique originated among theprofessional fishermen of the Taisho period

Image 16: Gujo Fishing(1912-1926), who developed the skill in order to catch as many fish as possible. This
also led to the creation of tools such as the Gujo rod (image 17) and Gujo fishing net(image 18), which are valued as traditional crafts to this day. The body of a Gujo rod is
made with bamboo, giving it the elasticity necessary to pull ayu from the water in asingle stroke. The handles of Gujo fishing net are attached to the frame at a specificangle in order to enable the more swift capture of ayu (21).

Image 18: Gujo Fishing Net

Image 17: Gujo Rod

Traditional fishing techniques using nets also occur on the Nagara River, such as
shoal net fishing (image 19) and night net fishing (image 20). Shoal net fishing is thepractice of casting nets in shallow waters in autumn, startling ayu and catching them as
they head for spawning grounds. Night net fishing involves scaring ayu with the bright
light of torches and the sound of oars smacking against the edge of the boat, chasing
them into nets spread across the river. This fishing technique is said to have begun on
the upper course of the river sometime during the late 16th to early 17th centuries.

16

Image 20: Night Net Fishing

Image 19: Shoal Net Fishing

Other fishing techniques include noboriochi fishing (image 21), which is used tocatch fish that travel up rivers. Luring fish into boxes at dams while they travel
upstream, this method is particular to the Nagara River. In order to catch fish as they
travel downstream, large fixtures of slatted wood called yana are set up on the river,with five locations in total along the Nagara River (seven if you include yana along
branches of the river). Yana fishing (image 22) takes place in autumn and its fishing
spots are often bustling with visitors who come to enjoy the ayu cuisine prepared there.

Image 21: Noboriochi Fishing

Image 22: Yana Fishing

Because the site does not lie along the ocean, the rich yield of fish from the Nagara
River has always been a valuable source of protein for the people of Gifu Prefecture. It
is for this reason that there are many different long-standing fishing methods; cormorantfishing foremost among them. These traditional techniques came about as a result of
thoroughly comprehending the natural behaviour of fish, giving birth to methods offishing that allowed for their most efficient capture. These skills continue to bepracticed and passed down by members of fisheries cooperatives that operate along the
Nagara River.

17

Strong Bond Between Fishermen and Cormorants:
In cormorant fishing, a strong bond between thecormorant birds and their masters is vital (image 23).
The Japanese character for cormorant bird can itself be
divided into two separate parts, meaning “little
brother” and “bird”. In the homes of each cormorantfishing master, over 20 birds are kept and raised as partImage 23: Cormorant Bird in the Yardof the fisherman’s family. In addition to caring for thebirds’ health and seeing to their proper feeding, cormorant masters pay special attention
to their condition by closely examining their faces, smelling their breath, and touching
their throats and stomachs. A cormorant fishing master handles each of his birds withutmost care, carefully judging how much to feed them, their physical condition, andwhether or not a particular cormorant is in proper shape to join in the day’s fishing.
It is due to such careful care by fishing masters that the cormorants that are used aspart of cormorant fishing boast a life span of between 20 to 25 years, while wildcormorants live for an average of but seven short years. Out of respect for their many
years of service, the cormorants of fishing masters are deeply mourned following their
passing.
By tying a hemp string around the necks of their birds, cormorant masters are able toissue commands to their birds while fishing. Cormorant fishing masters examine eachbird’s physical condition, personality, and the state of the river before choosing 10 to 12
birds to accompany him for the days’ fishing. The tightness of the hemp string isadjusted differently for each bird, set at a tightness that will prevent larger fish fromsliding into their throat, but will allow for fish smaller than ayu to pass by unhindered,allowing the cormorant to eat.
This peaceful coexistence between people and cormorants is a result of theknowledge and ingenuity passed down by previous generations.

In 1883, cormorant fishing on the Nagara River faced terrible financial trouble as aresult of a poor yield combined with the loss of cormorant birds. These problems madeit difficult to secure sufficient funds to put away for the following year.

The same problem occurred again in 1885. In order to ameliorate the situation,
cormorant fishing masters moved away from depending solely on an unreliable yield of18

fish in order to secure their livelihood and began to provide observation boats fromwhich their fishing could be seen. This aided in the preservation of their craft, whichsurvives to this day.

b) The Securing of Resources
Ayu are a precious resource for people living along the Nagara River, but theirconservation has not simply been left to chance. The continued conservation of the ayu
would not be possible without the cooperation of the people, and much effort is investedby the people of the region, particularly by the fisheries cooperatives along the river.

The fisheries cooperatives that engage in fishing in the area are also responsible forincreasing the amount of fish that are target species for fishing, and release 120 tonnesof ayu fry (10 million fish) into the waters of Gifu Prefecture every year. Roughly halfof these released ayu fry are descended from natural ayu caught in the rivers, which arethen bred at the Gifu Prefectural Ayu Hatchery. These ayu fry are genetically consistent
with the indigenous ayu found in the Nagara River and are resistant to cold water
disease1. Releasing the fry of these bred fish serves as both a means of conserving
genetic diversity as well as a countermeasure to prevent cold water diseases. Activities
intended to increase the number of indigenous ayu resources in the region have also
been carried out by the fisheries cooperatives on the Nagara River through the operationof artificial ayu hatching tanks (image 24, 25, 26) near the mouth of the river, which
produce a total of 100 million eggs per year.

Image 24: Artificial Fertilisation

Image 25: Artificial Ayu Spawning Ground

Image 26: Fertilised Eggs

1 Cold water disease is a bacterial disease caused by Flavobacterium psychrophilum. This disease is one of the mostfrequent causes of the elevated mortality rate in ayu and has been found in both fish farms and natural rivers inJapan. Moreover, inbreeding or landlocked forms of ayu have no resistance to the disease.

19In 1880, the Gifu Prefectural Government set a restriction on the times of year during
which ayu could be caught. With administrative guidance to assist in the securing offishing resources, the Nagara River Fisheries Association (the antecedent organisationof the modern fisheries cooperative) undertook the task of creating artificial hatching
and releasing programmes for ayu in 1915 (8).

Initiatives to conserve the fisheries resources are carried out not only by those
associated with artisan fishing, but by those in the forestry industry as well. 4.5 hectaresof forest along the Nagara River have been designated as “fish breeding forests” that
support and nurture the fish population. These forests are a crucial part of the river’s
health, because the leaves that have fallen from trees provide sustenance for aquatic
insects, the trees and undergrowth that cover the ground maintain the water’s quality by
preventing the erosion of soil, and shade from the trees on the water’s surface keeps thetemperature of the water in check, contributing to the area’s ongoing status as apreferable habitat for many species of fish. The amount of fish breeding forests in Gifu
Prefecture is the greatest amongst prefectures in Japan that do not have a coast.
c) Agricultural Products that Utilise the Characteristics of the Land
Agricultural products such as radishes andgreen soybeans are grown in the region, taking
advantage of the area’s excellent water drainage
and fertile lands. Through the various
implementations of cropping, different varieties of
products, and cultivation methods, it is possible to
distribute a single product for almost an entire
Image 27: Green Soybean Fields (Gifu City)
half-year period. This method of farming has yielded
an improved reputation in the marketplace, and is an important source of profitability
for suburban agricultural businesses. For example, over 15 varieties of green soybeans
are grown in the area, which are separated by maturation and come in different flavours
such as green or black soybeans. These green soybeans can be distributed over thehalf-year period from May to October due to the protective covering that is designed tomaintain temperature and eliminate pests (image 27).

20

4. Cultures, Value Systems and Social Organisations (Agri-Culture)i) Culture and Valuesa) Cormorant Fishing
Cormorant fishing (ukai) is an ancient
tradition, with people of the surname“Ukaibe1” appearing in family registers
dating back to the 8th century. Cormorantfishing on the Nagara River (image 28)
boasts a long history, with records indicatingthat it has remained essentially unchanged
since the Muromachi period (1392 - 1573)
Image 28：Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River(20). There are two places where cormorantfishing occurs on the Nagara River: “Nagara Cormorant Fishing” in Gifu City and “OzeCormorant Fishing” in Seki City. Although cormorant fishing is conducted in 12
locations across the country, the cormorant fishing masters of the Nagara River are
unique in that they have been attached to the Imperial Household Agency’s Board of
Ceremonies since the Meiji period (1868 - 1912).
1 The suffix “-be” was attached to surnames of servants of the Imperial House. The “Ukaibe” family were those thatengaged in cormorant fishing (ukai) under the auspices of the Imperial Family.

This fishing tradition holds incredible value, with the complete set of “Tools forCormorant Fishing on the Nagara River” being designated as Important Tangible Folk
Cultural Properties by the nation and the practice of cormorant fishing on the Nagara
River itself registered as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of theprefecture. As of present, there are also ongoing examinations being conducted todetermine whether or not the cormorant fishing tradition will be designated an
Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of the nation.

21b) Food Culture
In the homes of cormorant fishing masters, acuisine called ayu sushi (image 29) made using
fermented fish, salt and rice has been passed down
throughout the ages, and is currently created as a
product for end-of-year gift exchanges. References
to ayu sushi can be seen in a set of government
regulations called the “Engishiki” that dates back to
the Heian period (794 - 1185), suggesting that it has

Image 29: Ayu Sushi

been in production since at least that time. Other
local culinary techniques, such as a salted ayu entrails dish called uruka that is madeusing the eggs and innards of ayu, or the practice of salting ayu and drying themovernight, also survive to this day.

There are six stores specialising in ayu that have been selling ayu boiled in sweet
sauce along the Nagara River basin for over 100 years, and ayugashi (image 30) sweets
are said to have been invented in 1908. Created in the shape of the ayu, these famous
treats are lightly roasted and filled with a gummy confectionary. It is said that no otherregion has as many varieties of ayugashi as Gifu Prefecture. Ayugashi are a popularsouvenir that can also be used to introduce the ayu that is the area’s pride and joy (22).

Image 31: Hoba Sushi

Image 30: Ayugashi

Hoba sushi (image 31) is a dish created by placing sushi rice, mountain vegetables
and river fish atop the leaf of a white bark magnolia tree (Magnolia obovata Thunb.),
and is one of Gifu’s foremost forms of local cuisine. In Gifu, white bark magnolia trees
are a common sight in fields or the gardens of homes, and hoba sushi was created as away for labourers working in the fields or forests to have a quick and easy meal. In
22recent years, hoba leaves have also become well-known for their anti-bacterial
properties as well (23).

c) The Worship of Water and Sentiments Towards Ayu
The cultural landscapes that have been
maintained by the forests near the source of the
Nagara River basin are said to have their origin
in the 8th century, with the development of a Mt.
Hakusan Worship (24) that centred around the
god Mikumari, who was thought to havecontrolled the distribution of water between Mt.
Image 32: Nagataki En-nen Festival
Hakusan and Mt. Dainichigatake, the source of
the Nagara River. The Nagataki Hakusan Shrine in Gujo City that is thought to havebeen established in 717 is home to many rituals surrounding Mt. Hakusan Worship,such as the “Nagataki En-nen Festival” (Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property;
image 32) that is part of the area’s “Six Day Festival” (25, 26). Also located in Gujo
City are the Amida Falls (a place of scenic beauty in Gifu Prefecture), which is used not
only in Mt. Hakusan Worship as a place for spiritual training, but is also a spot ofmajestic beauty that was depicted in one of the famous Japanese artist Hokusai’s eightillustrations of waterfalls and is currently counted amongst “Japan’s Top 100
Waterfalls” (27).

Another distinctive element of theculture along the river’s basin is the “GujoOdori”
dance
festival(Important
Intangible Folk Cultural Property; image
33) in Gujo City, which is one of Japan’s
three great bon-odori dances and is said tohave began in the Edo period (1600 1867) as a means to promote harmony
amongst the different classes of people(28).

Image 33: Gujo Odori Dance Festival

23

The Gujo Odori also has songs with lyrics singing the praises of the Nagara Riverand the ayu. The English translations of some of those songs are as follows:“The pride and joy of a people;
Gujo Odori and the ayu sweetfish (song title: Kawasaki)”“The brilliant torches of cormorant fishing and a name known throughout the world;
The Nagara River (song title: Matsusaka)”
Furthermore, purification ceremonies are conducted in the river during the “Ikenoue
Misogi Festival” that is held at the Katsuragake Shrine in Gifu City along the Nagara
River’s middle course. It is through these methods of worship, festivals and dances thatthe water and mountains have been celebrated in the region since long ago. Gujo City
lies along the upper course of the Nagara River and the reverence the people have forthe water is represented in many ways. Locations pay respects to the gods of the waterlike the Naginatashimizu Spring or Minakami Shrine exist alongside traditional
communal water facilities such as mizubune and Sogi Spring (Gifu Prefectural HistoricSite), the latter of which is designated the Selected 100 Exquisite and Well Conserved
Waters by the Ministry of the Environment and is symbolic of the area’s veneration ofwater (29).
d) Social Organisations
Cormorant fishing on the Nagara River received the protection of the shogunate andof the former domain of Owari (present day western Aichi Prefecture) back in the Edo
period, and the cormorant fishing masters were inducted into the Imperial Household
Agency in 1890. The cormorant fishing techniques are passed down separately by eachhouse that practices them and one may only become a cormorant fishing master after theprevious one retires (20). Presently, the only cormorant fishers designated as“Cormorant Masters of the Imperial Household Agency” across the nation are those
who practice their craft on the Nagara River (six in the Nagara area of Gifu City andthree in the Oze area of Seki City).

24

What is required of cormorant fishing masters is not just the ability to manipulate thecormorant birds. Being able to judge which birds will be best suited to fishing on thatday, the agility to carry out multiple movements atop the boat in a single moment, andthe stamina and concentration to handle the pulling power of the birds are all important
as well. Each boat carries a team of one cormorant master and two boatmen (one at thestern and one in the middle). It is only when the trinity of man, bird and boat become
one that the true beauty of this traditional fishing method that has been transmitted
throughout the ages can be realised.

Fisheries cooperatives exist with the purpose of conserving the resources available tothe industry. Under the Fishery Act, these organisations that possess the right to engage
in industrial fishing also bear the responsibility of engaging in activities to increase thearea’s resources so that the resources available to the inland artisan fishing do not
dwindle. There are eight fisheries cooperatives that operate on the basin of the Nagara
River (including the lower course that flows downriver of Gifu City). They engage inactivities intended to maintain the high quality of the river’s environment though thebreeding of ayu and other freshwater fish as well as the maintenance of theenvironments around fishing locations. In addition to the continued releasing of fish into
the river and countermeasures against the wild birds that are a threat to the ayu, theseare but some of the ways these organisations manage a system of continued production
while conserving resources.

The abundant waters of the Nagara River are nurtured by the forests along the uppercourse of the river. The wilderness and forests surrounding farmlands in the same area
serve multiple functions for resource gathering as an important source of fertiliser for
famers, fodder for livestock, grass for thatched roofing, firewood, and charcoal. These
countryside areas are cooperatively managed as controlled zones (a predetermined area
which people from a specific region can receive special permission to enter and use thenatural resources for personal benefit [30]).

Activities to conserve the forestry resources are handled mainly by forestry
cooperatives, of which there are three that operate on the basin of the Nagara River.
They engage not only in logging, but in tree planting and thinning as well.

25

5. Remarkable Landscapes, Land and Water Resources Management Featuresi) Remarkable Landscapes
In Gujo City, the winding river connects
seamlessly with expansive farmlands andresidential districts, creating a rural landscapethat continues as far as the eye can see (image34), and the surface of the water teems withpeople enjoying ayu fishing in the summer. In
addition to fishing, other common sights on
the Nagara River include children playing in
the Yoshida River that is a tributary of the Image 34: Rural Landscapes of the Nagara River Basin
Nagara River, or people engaging in activities
like rafting or river climbing (mountaineering that involves climbing up rivers), whichhave seen an increase in popularity in recent years.

On the basin of the Nagara River, the people receive the river’s bounty, develop an
attachment to it, and are given peace of mind by its many beautiful riverside rurallandscapes.

In Gifu City, the scenery of the 331.9 hectare area surrounding Gifu Castle (National
Historical Landmark) that includes Mt. Kinka, the Nagara River, the Kawara-machi area
and the old castle town shares a deep connection with the lifestyles and occupations of
the local people. This “cultural landscape” along the middle course of the Nagara Riverhas been designated an “Important National Cultural Landscape” by the Agency for
Cultural Affairs.

Moreover, in Gujo City, the Sogi Spring and central basin of the Nagara River arecounted amongst the Selected 100 Exquisite and Well Conserved Waters, and the riceterraces of Shougahora are selected as one of the 100 Best Rice Terraces in Japan by the
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (31). The Nagara River is the only river
to be counted amongst Japan’s 88 Best Bathing Spots, and the water itself is an integral
part of the area’s many breathtaking sceneries.

26ii) The Management of Land and Watera) Initiatives to Nurture Forests
In order to establish a system that can
supply the abundance of water required for a
thriving fisheries yield and the sustainableproduction of agricultural products, thecreation of forests is utmost. Fisheries andforest cooperatives engage in activities tonurture forests near the origin of the Nagara
River (image 35) through the planting ofbroadleaf trees, and the people of Gifu City
Image 35: Forestation Activities nearalong the middle course of the river
the Source of the Nagara River
participate in initiatives intended to conserve
the forests and cultivate aquatic resources in areas such as Gujo City, Seki City andYamagata City along the upper reaches of the river.

A 3,000 hectare area within the region is thinned annually in order to improve thewater retaining capacity of the soil in the forests.

b) A Mentality that Values Water
In the city of Gujo near the Nagara River’s source, a mentality and belief in theimportance of treasuring the water and delivering clear water downstream has been
passed from generation to generation. Whether it comes from mountains, wells, orrivers, traditional fixtures designed to make effective use of the water have existed for
hundreds of years (25).

Places for washing various items called kawado or mizuya (image 36) exist along
canals that have been constructed to use the natural flow of the river and mountainstreams. Multi-layered tanks in the shape of boxes that receive water from themountains and separate it into distinct levels are called mizubune (image 37, 38).
Similar tanks embedded in the ground are called shimizu. Representative of these is the27

Sogi Spring (image 39), which has been designated one of the Selected 100 Exquisite
and Well Conserved Waters by the Ministry of the Environment. Wells that draw usableground water are divided into personal wells, group wells and communal wells, with
communal wells being managed by a cooperative dedicated to their maintenance.

Image 36: Kawado

Image 37: Mizubune

Image 38: Mizubune

Image 39: Sogi Spring(Gifu Prefecture Historic Landmark)There are 11 mizubune in the Hachiman-cho area of Gujo City, with each box-liketank having two or three levels. The top level for drinking water, the middle for rinsing
vegetables or fruits and the bottom for washing dishes or linens; this method wastes nowater and is thought to contribute towards delivering clean water downstream.
The waterworks that support the 400,000 people that live in Gifu City is drawn froma system of underground reservoirs at the base of Mt. Kinka that consists of 69 wells
that draw from groundwater as their source. The high quality of this particularly
delicious water was recognised by the former Ministry of Health and Welfare (nowMinistry of Health, Labour and Welfare) in 1985 (32). Environmental conservation
initiatives are conducted by many different groups, including regular citizens, non-profit
organisations and corporations who receive the blessings of the Nagara River, whether
it be in the shape of clean water or calming scenery.

28c) Traditional Disaster Prevention Systems
Many floods occurred on the central and lower reaches of the Nagara River in thepast. People in the area developed unique disaster prevention systems, such as thekasumitei open levees on the middle course of the river and the wajuutei embankmentsthat were constructed to completely surround settlements and farmlands on the lower
reaches of the river (Figure 1). The kasumitei open levees have openings in them whichallowing floodwater to pass through. They can be seen in Mino and Seki City (33).

Figure 1: Traditional Disaster Prevention System

29

II. Other Social and Cultural Characteristics Pertinent to theManagement of the Agricultural Systema) Unique Social and Cultural Characteristics
Along the basin of the Nagara River, traditional
crafts with deep ties to the water are handed downfrom generation to generation. The production ofJapanese paper is dependent on pristine, clear waterand mulberry trees (Broussonetia kazinoki × B.
papyrifera) which are in plentiful supply in Mino City
Image 40: Making Honminoshi(UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage)
where the tradition of Mino Washi Japanese paper,
one of the three great Japanese washi paper types isstill passed on to this day (34). A particular variety of this paper known as“Honminoshi” was designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (image 40) in
November, 2014. Mino Washi Japanese paper is used in Japanese wagasa umbrellas, aswell as a number of traditional crafts such as Gifu chouchin paper lanterns and Gifu
uchiwa fans.

The kanzarashi event involving Gujo honzome dyeing (an intangible cultural heritageof the prefecture) is carried out during the coldest period of the winter in the Yoshida
River, a tributary of the Nagara River. This type of dyeing helps to give fabrics a more
vivid hue.

The presence of the Nagara River has led tothe creation of settlements with unique features
along its basin. In the Minato-machi area of Gifu
City which once acted as the landing point for
shipments of wood or Mino Washi Japanese
paper from upstream, traces of architecture fromthe time are still visible in the wood merchant
Image 41: Udatsu-Lined Old Streets of Minohouses which stand side by side there to this day.
In the old town area of Hachiman-cho in Gujo City’s, the tradition of large communal
water fountains which leverage the streams that flow between houses helps to convey
the atmosphere of the old castle town in the modern day. Moreover, the Mino-machi
30

area in Mino City, where merchant houses line the streets, is a conserved traditionalarchitectural district known as the “Udatsu-lined old streets of Mino” (image 41).
Udatsu is the name given to firewalls erected on both sides of the roofs of houses there
in order to prevent the spread of fire. Both areas of the old town in Gujo City andMino-machi are designated as “Important Preservation District for Groups of
Traditional Buildings”.

III. Historical Relevancea) Cormorant Fishing and Ayu
The history of the culture of cormorant fishing and eating ayu can be gleaned fromthe poems of haiku master Matsuo Basho:

Basho, who visited Gifu in 1688, left us with the following words.

Exciting to see/ but soon after comes sadness/ the cormorant boats

One more to describe/ the Nagara Rivers’ own/ sweetfish namasu

From these words we understand that even at that time cormorant fishing was seen
as a charming spectacle in the eyes of travellers. We also know that the way they used
to eat ayu was not by grilling it with salt as we do today but as namasu (a pickled
delicacy made with the fish). Before the era of Basho, in 1603 it is recorded that the
feudal lord of southern Gifu presented the Shogunate Tokugawa Ieyasu with ayu sushi
which was prepared as a fermented product that could be preserved for a long time.
Nowadays, this tradition is carried on in the cuisine served at cormorant fishermen’shouses and through local souvenirs (35).

Some pictures exist of the more longstanding merchants in Gifu City showing how
they looked in the Meiji period (image 42). Looking at the shop fronts in the images
they tell us that moriguchizuke (a moriguchi radish pickled in Japanese sake lees) and31

ayukasuzuke (ayu pickled in sake lees) were
famous in Gifu at the time. The moriguchi radish
has always been subject to pickling, howeverfrom these sources we came to know that ayu
also underwent the pickling process. Anothertraditional way of preparing ayu is to pickle theentrails in salt (known as uruka), a highly prized
Image 42: Longstanding Merchant,delicacy. Furthermore, we now also know from
Izumiya Shop (Meiji Period)
the shop fronts that handheld fans were a
speciality of the area at the time. Tannic acid solution taken from the sour persimmon
was applied to fans, making them durable and garnering them a great reputation as
products that could be used every day.

In modern times, fresh ayu has come to be able to be sold on the market with thedevelopment of the road network. Around 1910, in the Taisho period, ayu was packaged
under the name Gujo Ayu. At that time there was no process to manufacture ice. To
overcome this problem water from flooded paddy fields was frozen in the winter andpreserved for use in the transport of natural, fresh ayu to market in the summer. Thissystem for preserving Gujo Ayu was the only one of its kind in the country. Grilled ayu
became the most popular cuisine thanks to the development of this collaborative
distribution system (36).

b) Culture Born from Pristine Waters

The old region of southern Gifu Prefecture was rich in resources, and famous for its
traditional crafts, timber, swords and knives. The traditional Gifu wagasa Japaneseumbrellas (image 43) and Gifu chouchin paper lanterns (image 44) which make use of
Mino Washi Japanese paper, as well as Gujo honzome dyeing in Gujo City, all have ahistory dating back about of around 400 years (24, 37).

The fishery sector and traditional craftsmanship which support industry in Gifu
Prefecture have developed alongside the clear waters of the Nagara River. These clear
waters have been conserved so that fishery and traditional crafts could continue to bepractised here to this day.
32

Image 43: Gifu Wagasa Japanese Umbrellas

Image 44: Gifu Chouchin Paper Lanterns

On the middle course of the river in the 16th century, an inland port was established at
the site of current day Gifu City and the industry of transporting logs via the riverdeveloped (34). Efforts to conserve the forests around the streams of water have a long
history. In the Edo period, in the old fiefdom of Gujo City which lies along the uppercourse of the river, a number of initiatives were carried out, such as banning the fellingof trees, continuously planting new trees, and the creation of the mizuneyama1 area (34).
In more recent times, the demand for wood before and after World War 2 led todeforestation and the decay of the land. In response to this, reforestation efforts were
initiated leading to the current rich forest resources we enjoy today.
1 A mountainous and forested area in which water slowly and peacefully sinks into all aspects of nature. The freefelling of trees is actively prohibited and planting is carried out in order to combat against landslides.

IV. Contemporary Relevancea) Responding to the Climate and Carbon Sequestration

Ayu live for just one year and because they inhabit rivers with swift currents they arevulnerable to the effects of floods and other natural factor this results in significant
fluctuation both in the number of fish swimming upstream and also the annual yield.
Research related to the cause of these fluctuations in resources is being undertaken inorder to ensure a sustainable catch and the continued conservation of this natural
resource. In recent year, as the correlation between the number of ayu flowing upstream
and the environment in the sea when they live as juveniles become increasingly
apparent, further research is being carried out in order to grasp the relationship between
33

the ayu’s life cycle and its environment. The results of this research should have awide-ranging impact on the drive conserve the habitat of ayu in the East Asia region.

As global warming continues to accelerate rapidly due to the release of carbon
dioxide and other greenhouse gases, the Gifu Prefectural Government established theGifu Prefectural Ordinance on Forest Management and Development for theConservation of the Global Environment. Through this ordinance we are maintaining oreven lowering the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the forests and also continuing
our drive to expand forest areas.

In Gujo City, 49,560 hectares of planted forest are well managed through appropriate
thinning and contribute to a reduction of 235,977 tonnes of CO2 a year (38).

b) Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation

Efforts in conserving the habitat and spawning grounds of ayu are thought to belinked to the conservation of rarer species in the Nagara River, such as the Japanese
giant salamander, bagrid catfish, and Japanese sculpin.

These links are being continuously investigated by NPOs and other groups. Moreover,the dwarf topmouth minnow that live in small rivers, ponds and marshes have deep ties
to the local rice based farming industry. For this reason, local children andenvironmental groups are continuing with conservation projects and in doing so areplaying an important role in educating people about the environment.

In Gifu Prefecture, an initiative called “Gifu Clean Agriculture” is implemented inorder to promote the more effective and reduced use of chemical fertilizers andagrochemicals. In Gifu City along the middle course of the river, a type of green,environment-friendly cultivation of moriguchi radishes in arable land is achieved
through the use of organic materials and insect screens, cutting the use of chemicalfertilisers and agrochemicals by over 30%.

34

Following the harvesting of carrots or radishes in the Hirugano Highland area thatlies at the uppermost reaches of the Nagara River, clean agriculture is implemented in
combination with the practice of sowing wheat in the furrows that remain or turningthem into settling basins, preventing the runoff of soil and maintaining the water’squality.

Furthermore, the “Greenery and Water Kids’ Convention” was held in 78 schools
across the prefecture in 2013 in order to teach the children who hold the future of Gifu
Prefecture in their hands about forests and aquatic environments. Through this event,children will develop a deeper affection for their region, and will later become people
capable of protecting and supporting it down the road.

As well as this, groups of local
residents and NPOs are involvedin efforts to clean rivers, carryout environmental surveys, andhold viewings at egg hatchingsites in the urban Gifu City
region. These initiatives arelinked to the conservation of ayu
as a resource and also the raisingofawarenessabout
theenvironment (image 45).

Image 45: Nagara River Cleaning Initiativec) Social Contribution

Inland fishery, when compared to saltwater fishery, is carried out over a muchsmaller area and as such, depending on the yield, stock may be depleted more easily.
For this reason, fisheries cooperatives are engaging in efforts to increase fishing
resources in the area. Along the Nagara River basin breeding programmes for ayu andother freshwater fishes, as well as the maintenance of fishing grounds has led to theconservation of the river environment.

35

Moreover, because it is recognised that bountiful and pristine waters are needed inorder to support ayu, groups such as the aforementioned fisheries cooperatives are
involved in the propagation of forests connected to the clear waters.

V. Threats and Challengesa) Reduction in the Number of Ayu

A downward trend in theyield of ayu continues to beobserved (graph 2) since 1993 in
Gifu Prefecture. There are anumber of reasons for this,including cold water diseases
and feeding damage by wild
birds around the river.

(t)
4000

Ayu
All fish

3000

2000

1000

0
1989
1994
1999
2004
2009
Graph 2：Changes in the Yield of Ayu and All Fish in Gifu Prefecture[Small number of ayu
Being unable to fish for ayu
of focus on the ayu, rivers and declining consumption]

Loss

In order not to fall into this negative cycle, it is necessary that we must continue withour comprehensive efforts to increase the population of ayu for the inland fisheries
while at the same time, to ensure that people are able to fish for leisure on the river, toprevent against disease and to expand consumption.

b) The Creation and Dissemination of Ayu Culture
Consumption of fish has been declining due to the westernisation of eating habit inJapan. As a result of this, in the long established merchants of Gifu City who deal withayu based food products, they are no longer simply producing the kanroni (boiling with36

soy sauce and sugar) and salt grilled staples of ayu cuisine, but are instead beginning to
make efforts to rejuvenate the area with modern ways of preparing ayu.

One example of this is preparing the innards of ayu in the style of rillettes, known as“Ayu Rillettes”. Another way is to blend together sour cream, fermented ayu sushi andthe rice in which the same ayu sushi has been fermented to create “White Fermented
Cream”. In 2013, at the Ministry of Tourism’s “Ultimate Souvenirs which are Popular
Worldwide Forum” they were chosen together as one of the “Nine Ultimate Souvenirs”.

In addition, in order to protect those who fish for sport of and continue to allow
people to enjoy the ayu fishing culture, the fisheries cooperatives have opened fishingclasses and offered direct chances for people to fish. Gifu Prefectural Government is
continuing with the development of the “Nagara River Ayu Park” (tentative) facility,
which will offer information about, and opportunities for, people to study andexperience the artisan fishing on the Nagara River.

c) Inheriting Traditional Methods and Skills in Fishing and their Successors
Cormorant fishing on the Nagara River and the ayu culture linked to it are vital andshould be shared with those outside of our region. Going forward we must continue toensure their survival and development. The success of cormorant fishing on the Nagara
River does not rest solely with the cormorant fishing masters or the birds themselves but
rather with a collection of various skills sourced from the surrounding area. For
example, the cormorant fishing boat and a basket used to place cormorants in are built
by specially skilled workers who possess necessary traditional techniques.

Both the boat and basket are highly unique and special. As a result of this, as
cormorant fishing is passed on from generation to generation it is necessary that theseunique regional crafts are also protected. There is only one craftsman left of each theseproducts in the prefecture. As they continue to grow older, accelerated efforts are being
made to pass on the skills to successors. Furthermore, the Japanese cormorant birds
used in Gifu and the other places are caught on the coast in Hitachi City, Ibaraki
Prefecture while they are young. However, there are currently challenges related to thepassing on of the skills needed to catch these birds.

37

Cormorant Fishing Boats and Viewing Boats: The viewing boats for cormorantfishing (image 46) are being manufactured by a municipal shipyard in Gifu City and by
a building firm in Seki City which is also involved in the construction of shrines andtemples. The boats on which the cormorant masters ride (image 47) are built by a boat
builder who specialises in
traditional wooden fishingvessels. The wood used in the
production of the boats isJapaneseumbrella-pine(Sciadopitys
verticillata[Thunb.] Siebold et Zucc.),
which is sourced within Gifu
Prefecture. The cedar is often
Image 46: Viewing Boat
Image 47: Cormorant Fishing Boat
used in boat construction,
however, in the southern Gifu Prefecture one can find high quality umbrella-pine whichis resistant to the effects of water, and also light and flexible (39). As the producer ofthe cormorant fishing boats has grown older, a new boatwright from Gujo City wastrained under his guidance and has been placed in charge of building these boats inrecent times. It is said that it takes 10 years to become skilled in this art and therefore,
there are concerns about training the next generation of boatbuilders.
Baskets for Cormorant Fishing: There are a number of baskets used in the cormorantfishing process. There is a basket used to carry four cormorants, known as yotsuzashi(image 48), a basket used to
carry
two
cormorants,
futatsuzashi, a basket used tohold the ayu caught by the
cormorants,
calledthehakekago and the basket where
Image 48: Yotsuzashi
Image 49: Toyakago
the cormorants are left to sleep,
the toyakago (image 49). All of these are made from locally sourced henon bamboo(Phyllostachys nigra [Lodd. ex Loud.] Munro var. henonis [Bean ex Mitford] Stapf ex
Rendle). These baskets are considered some of the larger projects in modern Japan touse bamboo in their production and thus, the Seki City based craftsman, the only of his
kind remaining, came to have a hand in the making of baskets for cormorant fishing in
Gifu Prefecture (Gifu and Seki Cities), in Aichi Prefecture on the Kiso River, as well as

38

for Kyoto and Yamaguchi prefectures. Following his retirement, there had been no
replacement found for three years. However, the Gifu Academy of Forest Science andCulture made efforts to preserve the tradition and thus graduates are currently making
these cormorant baskets in Mino City.

Materials used in the production of Gifu wagasa Japanese umbrella are sourced along
the Nagara River basin and 90% of all Japanese umbrellas are produced in Gifu
Prefecture. The runner used in the frame of traditional Japanese wagasa umbrellas(image 50) is made only in one factory in Japan. That factory is in Ginan Town, southof Gifu City (40). The wood used in the production is the Japanese snowbell (Styrax
japonica Sieb. et Zucc.), sourced from Gifu Prefecture. The collection of appropriate
volumes of the wood for use in the making of the umbrellas had been outsourced to aforester in Gero City, east of Gujo City. However, in 2012 this forester ceased
operations and the gathering of the wood was suspended. The Gifu Academy of Forest
Science and Culture discovered suitable sources of wood in Mino City and harvests it intandem with a local forestry volunteer group as well
as umbrella makers from all over Japan. They collect
together the required amount of wood for one year of
production of this part. It is known as the “Snowbell
Project” and was established in 2013. In order to passon the traditional crafts borne of the Nagara River,they are also training the next manufactures of theseumbrella runners and covers.

Image 50: Umbrella Runner

Successfully passing on the skills involved in this timber processing requires those
involved in the forestry industry and the arts and culture field to come together andwork as one.

The standard price of timber is low, thus there are concerns as to whether the owners
of forest lands will continue to devote themselves in a self motivated way to the
management of their forest.

As a result of this, starting with creation of a road network dealing with logging roads,
initiatives are being created to improve profitability through the lowering of the coasts

39

involved in forest management. As well as this, efforts are continuing towards the
improvement of the competitiveness of Gifu sourced wood through the management ofrelevant facilities and the implementation of a performance indication system amongst
other initiatives designed to add value to the end products.

The lowering of prices is not limited solely to the timber industry, with a similar
trend being observed in the agricultural sector which continues to see a drop in thenumber of people involved in the field. To combat this, the Prefectural Government isworking with the agricultural cooperatives to offer those interested parties a chance toexperience what it is like to work in agriculture. They are also working with farmers todevelop a system of professional development for those who are actively pursuing acareer in the field.

d) Conservation of Water and Resources
Around the world approximately 700 million people are currently experiencing water
shortages and it is said that in this age of global warming, climate change, rising global
population, economic growth in developing countries and increasing demand for water
resources that this problem is expected to worsen going forward.

Efforts will continue to be made to spread the word of the compact water cycle of the
Nagara River both nationally and worldwide, which begins with the nurturing of theforests. We understand and recognise the importance of conserving its safe drinkablewaters, its role in food production, the resources born of it and the unique ecosystem it
provides.

VI. Practical Considerationsa) Ongoing Efforts to Promote the GIAHS

Local authorities in each of the four cities on the upper and middle courses of the
Nagara River, the Prefectural Government and groups related to the agriculture, forestry

40

and fisheries sectors are all involved in planning and discussions as part of the Nagara
River Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Association as well as being involved inpublic efforts linked to attaining GIAHS recognition.

Moreover, the prefectural government, Gujo City and bodies related to the fishingsector are continuing with the planning of the “Nagara River Ayu Park” (tentative). It is
expected that this facility will form a focal point of the GIAHS and allow people tolearn about ayu, related industries and links between rivers, forests and seas in general.
It will also offer a space for visitors to experience first-hand how to fish and also act asa space to disseminate information to the public.

b) Potential and Opportunities for Sustainability and Management of GIAHS
Through the continuation and development of the aforementioned Nagara River
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Promotion Association and the exchange of
information on events, event planning and the current status of conservation efforts, thisassociation, together with workers in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors aswell as NPOs, corporations and ordinary citizens in related cities forms the nucleus of abroad social movement aimed at passing on the culture of the region to future
generations.

c) Expected Impact of GIAHS on Society and Ecology
The Nagara River’s natural features, such as the rate of precipitation and the
topography of its surroundings, when added to its importance in manufacturing, thelivelihoods of the people along its basin and the environmental efforts which they carryout have led to the conservation of the river. It can thus be called a satokawa. The
phrase “The links between the forest, river and sea” encapsulates the life of the ayu andwith this concept, we will register the sustainable agriculture, forestry and fisheriessystem as a GIAHS, the “Nagara River System” and expect to spread information about
it as an environment with a river at its core. Beginning with cormorant fishing, we
believe we can leverage the opportunity given to us by registration as a GIAHS in the
search for successors to carry on the traditional crafts and culture fostered by the river.

41

To assist in the continued inhabitation of multiple fish species on the Nagara River,constructions of fishways exist in order to facilitate the ease of travelling upstream forayu and other fishes.

Moreover, there are three types of fishways (five fishways in total) place at theestuary barrage with moveable gates near the mouth of the Nagara River. During thetimes of year where ayu fry travel upstream, videos are recorded at a certain fishway
every day in order to continuously monitor ayu swim upstream through it. The total
number of fish that pass through the fishway is calculated, and for the past ten years(2005 - 2014) an average of 940,000 ayu have been confirmed to travel upstream eachyear.

In order to increase the amount of ayu fry swimming upstream from gates nearriverbanks, the river flow is increased by operating the gate to lure them into fishways
that lie along the banks on either side. This takes advantage of the behavioural patternsof ayu fry, exploiting how they swim against the current and travel upstream along
riverbanks. The operation of these gates at the estuary barrage is conducted based on
information about spawning during the period juvenile travel downstream, increasing
the speed of the water’s flow and causing juvenile to drift downstream faster.

In order to prevent the reduction of dissolved oxygen (DO) content present inriverbeds around the estuary barrage near the mouth of the river’s upper course during
April - September, gates are opened fully three times per four-day period.

The dissemination of information that would come as a result of this site being
designated a GIAHS would be directly linked to the conservation of various species andenvironments across the East Asia region, and the provision of foodstuffs. It could also
contribute to the continued succession of traditional culture (such as cormorant fishing)and crafts.

42d) Motivation of the Local Community, the Local/National Authorities and Other
Relevant Stakeholders

In order to conserve and leverage our pristine waters, efforts by relevant agricultural
parties and normal citizens to clean the rivers, conserve streams in forests and generally
care for the environment surrounding the river are ongoing. In 2006, the 57th National
Tree Planting Ceremony was held in Gifu, the second time the prefecture had staged
this event. This was followed in 2010 by the first ever riverside staging of the 30th
National Convention for the Development of an Abundantly Productive Sea. In 2015,
the 39th National Tree Arboriculture Festival will also be held in Gifu and at the 2014
Prefectural Citizens’ Conference on the Creation and Promotion of “Gifu, the Land of
Clear Waters”, “The Charter of Gifu, the Land of Clear Waters” was enacted. Throughthese events awareness of the importance of the concept of “clear waters” continues toincrease amongst citizens in our prefecture.

In Gifu Prefecture, as this awareness has continued to increase, the “Forest andEnvironment Tax of Gifu Land of Clear Waters” was introduced. Local governments
and a wide range of other groups will continuously be supported in their conservation
efforts. It was with this backdrop that, in 2013, the “Gifu Prefectural Water Source Area
Conservation Regulation” was enacted.

Local governments in related municipalities and groups involved in manufacturing
will continue to search for ways to add value to their existing products and in responseto this the Gifu Prefectural Government will continue to try to attract foreign visitors
and also export a range of agricultural, forest and aquatic products, led by ayu, tooverseas markets as well as providing national grants to help local municipalities intheir efforts.

Together, association as a central base, groups along the river basin are uniting inorder to create the “Nagara River Brand” consisting not only of agriculture, forest andfishery based products but also services in the commercial sector and efforts being madein promoting tourism.

43

VII. Dynamic Conservation Plan for GIAHS Selected Site
1. System of Promotion
The four cities on the upper and middle courses of the Nagara River and bodies inagriculture, forestry and fisheries fields, in tandem with the Prefectural Government,
have formed the “Nagara River Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Promotion
Association”. This group is spearheading the drive to gain Globally Important
Agricultural Heritage System status. We will pursue the below outlined general
initiatives, as affiliated bodies of the aforementioned association and as the Pristine
Nagara River Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Sector Players in the related fields on
the Nagara River.
2. Action Plan
(1) Promotion of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Industries
・Governmental groups and private groups along the basin of the river have cometogether as one. The efforts of the Prefectural Government with the registeredtrademark slogan “Gifu, Land of Clear Waters” as well as efforts being made in the
manufacturing of agricultural, forestry and fisheries products, stretching toencompass tourism resources as well, have led to the creation of the “Nagara River
Brand”.
・In order to plan for the propagation of inland fishery centred on ayu, it is necessary toensure the supply of hatchlings, prevent against diseases and increase the number ofrecreational fishermen. As well as this, plans for the creation of the “Nagara River
Ayu Park” (tentative) will be proceeded with and this facility will be used to spread
information and engage with the public.
・Efforts will be made to pass down the culture of cormorant fishing to the next
generation through exhibitions and workshops at the Nagara River Ukai Museum.
・Agricultural products such as Hida Beef, fuyu persimmons and strawberries willcontinue to be exported to the East Asian market. New efforts will be made so thatayu may also to be exported in the future.
44

・Moreover, in order to conserve the ayu species which is endemic to East Asia, efforts
across the continent of will be developed and expanded.
・In 2015 with the staging of the 39th National Tree Arboriculture Festival as well as thealready enacted Forest and Environment Tax, coupled with the Water Source Area
Conservation Regulation, the people are continuing to be informed of the role of theforest. At the same time, local authorities are engaging in thinning of the forests,
improving the road network within forest areas and establishing facilities forpracticing sawing and creating biomass. All of these initiatives are designed to aid inpassing down the rich forest resources from generation to generation.
(2) Tourism Promotion
・Beginning with recreational resources related to the Nagara River, like cormorantfishing and rafting, efforts in tourism will be strengthened in order to attract visitorsfrom overseas with traditional culture such as the Gujo Odori and green tourism in
the form of opportunities to experience the agriculture, forestry and fishery fields first
hand. We will combine these efforts with the promotion of existing tourist sites
outside of the river basin; the UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go and the
traditional town of Hida Takayama.
(3) Cultural Promotion
・Leveraging the resources of the Nagara River such as traditional crafts, scenery andlocal drama performances, the efforts of a number of cultural artifacts to achieve
recognition with various different bodies will be combined and bolstered. Throughthe opportunities for promotion provided by each system we will also search forsuccessors to carry on the related traditions to each of these artifacts.
(4) Conserving the Environment
・Environmental conservation groups, citizens, companies and, government bodies arecoming together and increasing their efforts in the field of environmental
conservation. At the same time, with the creation and dissemination of “The Charterof Gifu, the Land of Clear Waters”, the people of Gifu are continuing to become
more aware of the importance of the environment around the Nagara River.

45

References
1) The 69th Committee on Investigating Basic River Management Policy (2007)“Document 2-2”2) Ministry of the Environment (2001) “The 88 Best Bathing Spots in Japan”
3) Nishida, M. (1990) Notes of the Range of the Ayu Plecoglossus altivelis with
Reference to Ryukyuan Subspecies. Aquaculture Science. 38: 200-203
4) The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries (2014) “Annual Report on
Production in the Fishing and Aquaculture Industries" and "Survey on Agricultural
Production (Fruit Trees)”5) Ministry of the Environment (2003) Pisces-Brackish and Freshwater Fishes. In:
Threatened Wildlife of Japan, Red Data Book, vol 4, 2nd edn. Japan Wildlife
Research Center
6) United Nations Development Programme (2006) “The Human Development Report
2006”7) The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries (2013) “Study of Shifts in the
Field of Production in the Fruit Tree Sector”
8) Gifu Prefecture (2014) “The Artisan Fishing in Gifu Prefecture”
9) Gifu Prefecture (2013) “The Statistical Survey of Tourists in Gifu Prefecture”
10) Seki City (2013) “Book of Statistics”
11) Gifu Prefecture (2014) “River Based Fisheries Survey”
12) Statistical Handbook of Japan (2010) Table of Important Information Divided by
Prefecture, City and Local Municipalities. In: “2010 National Census”
13) Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries (2008) “The 2008 Artisan Fishing
Census 2008”
14) Akimoto, K. (2000) “The Taste of 1000 Years of History, Dojo-Hachiya
Persimmons”, Shinnorinsha
15) Tokai Regional Agriculture Administration Office, Ichinomiya Statistics andInformation Branch (1980) “Moriguchi Radish”
16) Gifu Prefecture (2008) “Hida and Mino Traditional Vegetables Certification
System” http://www.pref.gifu.lg.jp/sangyo-koyo/nogyo/kakiyasaikaju/dentoyasai/17) Gifu Prefecture (2014) “Statistics on Forests and Forestry in Gifu Prefecture”

4618) Gifu Prefecture (2013) “White Paper on the Environment”
19) Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (2007) “Basic Policy forRiver Improvement in the Kiso River and Related Waters”
20) Committee for the Execution of Initiatives to Spread the Charm of the Culture ofCormorant Fishing on the Nagara River (Gifu City and Gifu City Board of
Education) (2013) “The Rediscovery of the Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara
River”
21) Shirataki, J. (2009) Stories of the Nagara River. In: People Who Fish Issue 753 and756. Tsuribitosha22) Gifu Processed Food Guidebook (2013) as well as the homepages of each shop23) Gifu Prefecture Tourism Division
http://www.kankou-gifu.jp/kr/portfolio/food/254/
24) Gujo City (2014) “Plan for the Maintenance of the Historic Scenes of Gujo City”
25) Shirotori Town (1976) “The History Shirotori Town (General History Volume
One)”26) Shirotori Town (1977) “The History Shirotori Town (General History Volume
Two)”27) Japanese Waterfall Screening Committee (Ministry of the Environment Supportedby the Forestry Agency) (1990)
28) Gifu Prefecture Tourism Division
http://www.kankou-gifu.jp/kr/portfolio/trend/386/
29) Ministry of the Environment (1985) “Selected 100 Exquisite Well Conserved
Waters in Japan”
30) Minami Village (1981) “The History of Minami Village (General History, Volume
One)”31) Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries (1999) “Selected 100 Terraced Rice
Fields in Japan”
32) Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare’s Refreshing Water Research Group (1985)“Urban Areas With Refreshing Drinking Water (32 Cities)”33) Gifu Prefecture (2013) “Traditional Methods of Disaster Prevention”

4734) Maruyama, K. et al (2002) “The Nagara River, the Life-Giving River, Its Dignified
History and Culture (Revised Ed.)”35) Nagara River Cormorant Fishing Research Society (1994) “Cormorant Fishing on
Gifu’s Nagara River”. Gifu Shinbunsha36) Shirataki, J. (2009) The Birth of Gujo Ayu. In: People Who Fish Issue 760.
Tsuribitosha37) Gifu City (2013) “Plan for the Maintenance of the Historic Scenes of Gifu City”
38) Gifu Prefecture (2012) “Table on Forest Resource Organisation" and the Forest
Agency (2013) “Proportion of Forested Land under Management From the
Available Cultivated Land”
39) Gifu City Board of Education (2007) “Report on the Folk Tradition of Cormorant
Fishing on the Nagara River”
40) Kutsuwa, M. (2013) “News of the Forest”. Gifu Prefecture Forest Society

48Appendix 1： Location of the Site
ToyamaIshikawa
NaganoFukui
BeijingShanghaiHong Kong
Calcutta Bangkok

Seoul
Tokyo

GIFU

Osaka
Taipei
Shiga

ManilaMie

Singapore

Aichi

Shizuoka

Ise Bay

Jakarta

Gifu PrefectureGifu
prefectu
reGujo City

The Nagara River

Mino City
Seki City
Gifu City

49

Appendix 2: Agricultural, Forestry and Fisheries Products Diversity List
Category

Fishing Products

Rice
Wheat
Cereals
Beans

Vegetables

FruitsEnglish nameScientific Name
Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis
Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae
Salvelinus leucomaenis
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Anguilla japonica
Tribolodon hakonensis
Zacco platypus
Cyprinus carpio
Hemibarbus barbus
Carassius spp.
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Niwaella delicata
Species of genus gnathopogon or squalidus
Silurus asotus
Rhinogobius spp.
Cottus spp.
Eriocheir japonica
Macrobrachium nipponense
Oryza sativa L.
Oryza sativa L.
Triticum aestivum L.
Hordeum vulgare L.
Fagopyrum esculentum Moench
Glycine max (L.) Merrill
Spinacia oleracea L.
Solanum melongena L.
Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.
Cucumis sativus L.
Fragaria×ananassa Duch.
Glycine max L.
Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott
Allium fistulosum L.
Allium cepa L.
Arctium lappa L.
Lablab purpurea (L.) Sweet
Raphanus sativus L.
Prunus mume Sieb.et Zucc.
Diospyros kaki L. f.
Actinidia chinensis Planch.
Castanea crenata Sieb. et Zucc.
Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm. F.) Nakai
Passiflora edulis Sims
Vitis spp.
Vaccinium spp.
Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka
Malus pumila Mill.

Ayu
Red spotted masu trout
Whitespotted char
Rainbow trout
Japanese eel
Japanese dacePale chubCommon carp
Japanese barbell
Crucian carp
Weather loach
Delicate loach
Japanese minnow
Japanese catfish
Freshwater goby
Japanese sculpin
Japanese mitten crab
Freshwater prawn
Rice
Sticky rice
Wheat
BarleyBuckwheat
Soybeans
SpinachEggplant
TomatoCucumber
Strawberry
Green soybeans
Taro
Welsh onion
Onion
Burdock
Hyacinth bean
Japanese radish
Japanese apricot
Japanese persimmon
Kiwifruit
Japanese chestnut
Japanese pear
Passion fruit
Grape
Blueberry
Yuzu
Apple

50

Category

Horticulture Plants

Stock Raising

Forest Products

Mushrooms

English name
Nandina, heavenly bam-boo
Winter-flowering begonia
Palm-beach-bells
Flannel flower
Grey-leaved euryops
Japanese black cow
Holstein
Pig
Broiler
LayersCedar
Japanese cypress
Fresh shiitake mushroom
Fresh shiitake mushroom
Dried shiitake mushroom
Dried shiitake mushroom
MaitakeJudas' ear fungus

Scientific Name
Nandina domestica Thunb.
Begonia × hiemalis
Kalanchoe spp.
Actinotus helianthi Labill
Euryops pectinatus (L.) Cass.
Bos tauras
Bos tauras
Sus scrofa domesticus
Gallus gallus domesticus
Gallus gallus domesticus
Cryptomeria japonica
Chamaecyparis obtusa
Lentinula edodes
Lentinula edodes
Lentinula edodes
Lentinula edodes
Grifola frondosa
Auricularia auricula* Investigated by Gifu Prefecture51

Appendix 3: Biodiversity List（Animals）
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

Red Data Book
MOE Gifu Pref.
Mammal Nyctalus aviator Thomas
Birdlike noctule
NT CR+EN
Mammal Murina leucogaster Milne-Edwards
Greater tube nosed bat
VU
VU
Mammal Micromys minutus (Pallas)
Eurasian harvest mouse
NT
Fowl
Eurystomus orientalis calonyx Sharpe
Broad billed roller
EN CR+EN
Fowl
Gorsakius goisagi (Temminck)
Japanese night heron
EN
VU
Fowl
Spizaetus nipalensis orientalis Temminck et Schlegel Mountain hawk eagle
EN
VU
Fowl
Porzana fusca erythrothorax (Temminck et schlegel) Ruddy crake
VU
VU
Fowl
Gallinago hardwickii (Gray)
Latham's Snape
NT
VU
Fowl
Sterna albifrons sinensis Gmelin
Little tern
VU
VU
Fowl
Otus scops japonicus Temminck et Schlegel
Eurasian scops owl
VU
Fowl
Podiceps ruficollis poggei (Reichenow)
Little greb
NT
Fowl
Aix galericulata (Linnaeus)
Mandarin duck
DD
NT
Fowl
Pernis apivorus japonicus Kuroda
Crested honey buzzard
NT
NT
Fowl
Accipiter gentilis fujiyamae (Swan et Hartert)
Northern gashawk
NT
NT
Fowl
Accipiter nisus nisosimilis (Tickell)Eurasian sparrowhawk
NT
NT
Fowl
Butastur indicus (Gmelin)
Grey faced buzzard
VU
NT
Fowl
Falco peregrinus japonensis Gmelin
FalconVU
NT
Fowl
Phasianus soemmerringii scintillans Gould
Copper pheasantNT
Fowl
Rostratula benghalensis benghalensis (Linnaeus) Painted snipe
NT
Fowl
Charadrius alexandrinus nihonensis Deignan
Kentish ploverNT
Fowl
Ninox scutulata japonica (Temminck et Schlegel) Brown hawk owl
NTFowl
Strix uralensis Pallas
Ural owl
NT
Fowl
Caprimulgus indicus jotaka Temminck et Schlegel Grey nightjar
VU
NT
Fowl
Ceryle lugubris lugubris (Temminck)
Crested kingfisher
NT
Fowl
Pericrocotus divaricatus divaricatus (Raffles)
Ashy minivet
VU
NT
Fowl
Phylloscopus occipitalis coronatus (Temminck et Schlegel) Eastern crowned warbler
NT
Fowl
Muscicapa latirostris Raffles
Asian brown fly catcher
NT
Fowl
Terpsiphone atrocaudata atrocaudata (Eyton)
Japanese paradise flycatcher
NT
Fowl
Emberiza sulphurata Temminck et Schlegel
Japanese yellow bunting
NT
NT
Reptile Mauremys japonica (Temminck et Schlegel)Japanese pond turtle
DD
NT
Amphibian Hynobius nebulosus (Temminck et Schlegel)
Clouded salamander
VU CR+EN
Amphibian Andrias japonicus (Temminck)
Japanese giant salamander
VU
VU
Amphibian Rana porosa brevipoda Ito
Daruma pond frog
EN
VU
Amphibian Hynobius kimurae Dunn
Hida salamander
NT
NT
Amphibian Rana japonica Boulenger
Japanese brown frog
NT
FishAcheilognathus cyanostigma Jordan et Fowler
Striped bitterling
CR CR+EN
Fish
Acheilognathus tabira tabira Jordan et Thompson White tabira bitterling
EN CR+EN
Fish
Hemigrammocypris rasborella Fowler
Golden venus chubEN CR+EN
Fish
Pseudorasbora pumila subsp. 2
Dwarf topmouth minnow
CR CR+EN
Fish
Pseudobagrus ichikawai (Okada et Kubota)
Bagrid catfish
EN CR+EN
Fish
Gasterosteus aculeatus leiurus Cuvier
Three spined stickleback
CR CR+EN
Far Eastern brook lamprey northern form VU
FishLethenteron sp. 1
VU
Fish
Cottus kazika Jordan et Starks
Fourspine sculpin
VU
VU
Fish
Cottus reinii Hilgendorf
Amphidromous sculpin
EN
VU
Far Eastern brook lamprey thouthern form VU
FishLethenteron sp. 2
NT
FishTanakia lanceolata (Temminck et Schlegel)
Slender bitterling
NT
NT
Fish
Tanakia limbata (Temminck et Schlegel)
Oily bitterling
NT
NT
Fish
Zacco sieboldii (Temminck et Schlegel)
Dark chubNT
FishSqualidus gracilis gracilis (Temminck et Schlegel) Small sliver gudgeon
NT
Fish
Lefua echigonia Jordan and Richardson
Japanese eight-barbel loach
EN
NT
Taxon

Scientific Name

English Name

52

No.

Taxon

51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95

Fish
Fish
Fish
Fish
InsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectInsectShellfish
Shellfish
Shellfish
Shellfish
Shellfish
Shellfish
Shellfish
Shellfish
Shellfish

Red Data Book
MOE Gifu Pref.
Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae Jordan et McGregor Red spotted masu trout
NT
NT
Lateolabrax japonicus (Cuvier)Japanese sea perch
NT
Odontobutis obscura (Temminck et Schlegel)
Dark sleeper
NT
Rhinogobius sp. TO
Tokai fresh water goby
NT
NT
Lestes japonicus Selys
Kobaneaoitotonbo damselfly
EN CR+EN
Ceriagrion nipponicum Asahina
Beniitotonbo damselfly
VU
VU
Lethocerus deyrollei (Vuillefroy)
Tagame water bug
VU
VU
Nepa hoffmanni Esaki
Himetaikouchi water scorpion
VU
Lucidina okadai Nakane et Ohbayashi
Kokuroobabotaru firefly
VU
VU
Futasujikatabirohanakamikiri coprocorn beetle
Brachyta bifasciata japonica (Matsushita)
VU
Eurema laeta bethesaba (Janson)
Tsumagurokichou butterfly
VU
VU
Niphanda fusca (Bremer)
Kuroshijimi butterfly
EN
VU
Spindasis takanonis (Matsumura)
Kimadararuritsubame butterfly
NT
VU
Strymonidia mera (Janson)
Miyamakarasushijimi butterfly
VU
Cercion sexlineatum (Selys)
Musujiitotonbo damselfly
NT
Coenagrion lanceolatum (Selys)
Ezoitotonbo damselfly
NT
Gomphus postocularis Selys
Clubtail dragonfly
NT
Stylurus nagoyanus (Asahina)
Nagoyasanae
NT
NT
Cordulia aenea amurensis Selys
Downy emerald
NT
Epitheca marginata (Selys)
Torafutonbo dragonfly
NT
Sympetrum kunckeli (Selys)
Maikoakane dragonfly
NT
Euterpnosia chibensis chibensis Matsumura
Scissor-grinder
NT
Poecilophilides rusticola (Burmeister)
Akamadarakogane flower chaffer
DD
NT
Glipa shirozui Nakane
Ooobihananomi beetle
NT
Xylotrechus chinensis Chevrolat
Mulberry borer
NT
Yokoyamahigenagakamikiri long horned beetle
Dolichoprosopus yokoyamai (Gresiitt)NT
Leptalina unicolor (Bremer et Grey)
Ginichimonjiseseri skipper
NT
NT
Thymelicus leoninus leoninus (Butler)
Sujigurochabaneseseri skipper
NT
NT
Luehdorfia japonica Leech
Gifu butterfly
VU
NT
Chrysozephyrus ataxus kirishimaensis (Okajima) Kirishimamidorishijimi butterfly
NT
Kirinia epaminondas (Staudinger)
Kimadaramodoki butterfly
NTNT
Conistra sakabei (Sugi)
Isekiriga mothNT
Amphipoea subrigua Bremen et Grey.
Yahikokarasuyotou mothNT
Asidemia inexpecta inexpecta (Sugi)
Echigohagatayotou mothNT
Megaloctena punctilinealis (Leech)
Iwaatsuba mothNT
Pseudalelimma miwai Inoue
Ookiiroatsuba mothNT
Inversidens brandti (Kobelt）
Obaeboshigae freshwater mussel
VU CR+EN
Yokohamashijiragai freshwater mussel NT CR+EN
Inversiunio yokohamensis (Ihering）
Unio douglasiae nipponensis (Martens)
Ishigai freshwater mussel
VU
Obovalis omiensis (Heimburg)
Fresh water bivalves
VU
VU
Margaritifera laevis (Haas)
Kawashinjugai freshwater mussel
VU
VU
Tongarisasanohagai freshwater mussel NT
Lanceolaria grayana (Lea)
VU
Pronodularia japanensis (Lea)
Matsukasagai freshwater mussel
NT
VU
Satsuma fusca (Gude)
Koshitakakobesomaimai snail
NT
NT
Cipangopaludina chinensis laeta (Martens)
Marutanishi snail
NT
NT
Scientific Name

English Name

* Ministry of the Environment (MOE) (2012) The 4th Red List
* Gifu Prefecture (2012) Gifu Prefectural Red Data Book (Animals) Revised Edition

53

Appendix 4: Biodiveristy List (Plants)
Red Data Book
MOE Gifu Pref.
1 Isoetes japonica A.Braun
Mizunira quillwort
NT CR+EN
2 Equisetum palustre L.
Marsh horsetail
CR+EN
3 Ophioglossum thermale Kom. var. nipponicum (Miyabe et Kudô) M.Nishida Kohanayasuri adder's tongue fern
CR+EN
4 Crepidomanes schmidtianum (Zenker ex Taschner) K.Iwats. Chichibuhoragoke fern
CR+EN
5 Hymenophyllum mikawanum (Seriz.) Seriz.
Shikawakokeshinobu fern
EN CR+EN
6 Monachosorum arakii Tagawa
Himemukagoshida fern
EN CR+EN
7 Pteris nipponica W.C.Shieh
Matsuzakashida fern
CR+EN
8 Asplenium capillipes Makino
Himeiwatoranoo fern
CR+EN
9 Asplenium pekinense Hance
Tokiwatoranoo fern
CR+EN
10 Asplenium wilfordii Mett. ex Kuhn
Aoganeshida fern
CR+EN
11 Asplenium yoshinagae Makino
Tokiwashida fern
CR+EN
12 Leptorumohra sinomiqueliana (Ching) Tagawa
Hirohanaraishida fern
EN CR+EN
13 Thelypteris hattorii (H.Itô) Tagawa
Yokogurahimewarabi fern
CR+EN
14 Athyrium kuratae Seriz.
Tsukushiinuwarabi lady fern
CR+EN
15 Diplazium doederleinii (Luerss.) Makino
Shimashiroyamashida twinsorus fern
CR+EN
16 Diplazium okudairae Makino
Vegetable fern
EN CR+EN
17 Drymotaenium miyoshianum (Makino) Makino
Kuragarishida fern
EN CR+EN
18 Marsilea quadrifolia L.
Four leaf clover
VU CR+EN
19 Pilea kiotensis Ohwi
Aluminium Plant
CR+EN
20 Rumex madaio Makino
Madaiou Dock
CR+EN
21 Pseudostellaria palibiniana (Takeda) Ohwi
Higenewachigaisou pseudostellaria
CR+EN
22 Aconitum japonicum Thunb. subsp. ibukiense (Nakai) Kadota Ibukitorikabuto monkshood
CR+EN
23 Dichocarpum dicarpon (Miq.) W.T.Wang et P.K.Hsiao
Sabano Flower
CR+EN
24 Euryale ferox Salisb.
FoxnutVU CR+EN
25 Nuphar oguraensis Miki
Ogurakouhone water-lily
VU CR+EN
26 Nuphar subintegerrima (Casp.) Makino
Himekouhone water-lily
VU CR+EN
27 Aristolochia kaempferi Willd. var. tanzawana Kigawa
Tanzawaumanosuzukusa pipe-vine
CR+EN
28 Arabis serrata Franch. et Sav. var. japonica (H.Boissieu) Ohwi Iwahatazao rockcress
CR+EN
29 Arabis serrata Franch. et Sav. var. shikokiana (Nakai) Ohwi Shikokuhatazao rockress
CR+EN
30 Cardamine anemonoides O.E.Schulz
Mitsubakonronsou bittercress
CR+EN
31 Rorippa cantoniensis (Lour.) Ohwi
Chinese yellowcrass
NT CR+EN
32 Orostachys malacophylla (Pall.) Fisch. var. iwarenge (Makino) H.Ohba Chinese dunce caps
VU CR+EN
33 Rubus pungens Camb.
Sanagiichigo berry
VU CR+EN
34 Impatiens hypophylla Makino var. microhypophylla (Nakai) H.Hara Enshuutsurifuneso jewelweed
EN CR+EN
35 Berchemia pauciflora Maxim.
Brazil raintree
CR+EN
36 Viola patrinii DC. var. patrinii
China violet
CR+EN
37 Trapa incisa Siebold et Zucc.
Himebishi water chestnut
VU CR+EN
38 Trapa natans L. var. pumila Nakano ex Verdc.
Water chestnut
CR+EN
39 Myriophyllum oguraense Miki
Oguranofusamo milfoil
VU CR+EN
40 Primula Sieboldii E.Morren
Japanese Primrose
NT CR+EN
41 Gentiana squarrosa Ledeb.
Kokerindou Gentian
CR+EN
42 Pterygocalyx volubilis Maxim.
Pterygocalyx volubilis
VU CR+EN
43 Swertia tosaensis Makino
Inusenburi Gentianaceae
VU CR+EN
44 Nymphoides coreana (H.Lév.) H.Hara
Fringed yellow water snowflake
VU CR+EN
45 Nymphoides indica (L.) Kuntze
Water snowflake
NT CR+EN
46 Nymphoides peltata (S.G.Gmel.) Kuntze
Yellow floating-heart
NT CR+EN
47 Amsonia elliptica (Thunb.) Roem. et Schult.
Japanese bluestar
NT CR+EN
48 Damnacanthus macrophyllus Siebold ex Miq.
Juzunenoki m adder
CR+EN
49 Verbena officinalis L.
Common vervain
CR+EN
50 Ajuga japonica Miq.
Ogikazura bugle
CR+EN

No.

Scientific Name

English Name

54

No.

Scientific Name

English Name
51 Collinsonia japonica (Miq.) Harley
Collinsonia
52 Leonurus macranthus Maxim.
Kisewata mint
53 Pogostemon stellatus (Lour.) Kuntze
Mizunekono mint
54 Pogostemon yatabeanus (Makino) Press
Mizutorano mint
55 Scutellaria shikokiana Makino
Barbed skullcap
56 Pedicularis resupinata L. subsp. teucriifolia (M.Bieb. ex Steven) T.Yamaz. var. caespitosa Koidz. Tomoeshiogama lousewart
57 Rehmannia japonica (Thunb.) Makino ex T.Yamaz.
Senrigoma figwort
58 Siphonostegia chinensis Benth. ex Hook. et Arn.
Hikiyomogi broomrape
59 Utricularia exoleta R.Br.
Bladderwort
60 Utricularia minor L.
Lesser bladderwort
61 Utricularia minutissima Vahl
Himemimikakigusa bladderwort
62 Utricularia australis R.Br.
Inutanukimo bladderwort
63 Aster microcephalus (Miq.) Franch. et Sav. var. microcephalus Senbongiku daisy
64 Cirsium magofukui Kitam.
Alameda Thistle
65 Ixeris chinensis (Thunb.) Nakai subsp. strigosa (H.Lév. et Vaniot) Kitam. Takasagosou daisy
66 Ixeris tamagawaensis (Makino) Kitam.
Kawaranigana daisy
67 Ligularia japonica Less.
Hankaisou leopardplant
68 Nabalus tanakae Franch. et Sav. ex Y.Tanaka et Ono
Onigana Daisy
69 Blyxa echinosperma (C.B.Clarke) Hook.f.
Subuta tape-grass
70 Hydrocharis dubia (Blume) Backer
Frogbit
71 Ottelia alismoides (L.) Pers.
Duck Lettuce
72 Potamogeton distinctus A.Benn.
Roundleaf Pondweed
73 Najas chinensis N.Z.Wang
Sakamitorigemo
74 Najas gracillima (A.Braun ex Engelm.) Magnus
Slender Waternymph
75 Najas marina L.
Spiny Naiad
76 Najas oguraensis Miki
Ootorigemo waternymph
77 Sciaphila nana Blume
Hongousou triuris
78 Amana erythronioides (Baker) D.Y.Tan et D.Y.Hong
Tulipa erythronioides
79 Allium inutile Makino
Sutegobiru onion
80 Lloydia triflora (Ledeb.) Baker
Hosobanoamana Flower
81 Polygonatum humile Fisch. ex Maxim.
Dwarf Solomon's seal
82 Tofieldia coccinea Richards. var. gracilis (Franch. et Sav.) T.Shimizu Northern asphodel
83 Smilax stans Maxim.
Marubasankirai catbrier
84 Burmannia cryptopetala Makino
Shiroshakujo flower
85 Eragrostis japonica (Thunb.) Trin.
Pond Lovegrass
86 Festuca japonica Makino
Yamatoboshigara fescue
87 Sparganium erectum L.
Branched bur-reed
88 Carex ciliatomarginata Nakai
Island brocade
89 Carex fulta Franch.
Nikkoharisuge sedge
90 Carex lenta D.Don var. sendaica (Franch.) T.Koyama
Sendaisuke sedge
91 Fimbristylis stauntonii Debeaux et Franch. var. tonensis (Makino) Ohwi ex T.Koyama Tonetentsuki sedge
92 Chamaegastrodia sikokiana Makino et F.Maek.
Himenoyagara orchid
93 Taeniophyllum glandulosum Blume
Kumoran orchid
94 Huperzia cryptomerina (Maxim.) Dixit
Appalachian firmoss
95 Plagiogyria adnata (Blume) Bedd.
Takasagokishino fern
96 Adiantum monochlamys D.C.Eaton
Hakoneshida maidenhair fern
97 Haplopteris fudzinoi (Makino) E.H.Crane
Nakashishiran fern
98 Pteris wallichiana J.Agardh
Nachishida fern
99 Asplenium pseudowilfordii Tagawa
Okutamashida fern
100 Arachniodes nipponica (Rosenst.) Ohwi
Okutamashida fern

55

Red Data Book
MOE Gifu Pref.
CR+EN
VU CR+EN
NT CR+EN
VU CR+EN
CR+EN
CR+EN
CR CR+EN
CR+EN
VU CR+EN
NT CR+EN
EN CR+EN
NT CR+EN
CR+EN
VU CR+EN
VU CR+EN
NT CR+EN
CR+EN
CR+EN
VU CR+EN
NT CR+EN
VU CR+EN
CR+EN
VU CR+EN
NT CR+EN
CR+EN
CR+EN
VU CR+EN
VU CR+EN
VU CR+EN
CR+EN
CR+EN
CR+EN
CR+EN
CR+EN
CR+EN
CR+EN
NT CR+EN
CR+EN
CR+EN
CR+EN
VU CR+EN
VU CR+EN
CR+EN
VU
VU
VU
VU
VU
VU
VU
VU
VU

Red Book Data
MOE Gifu Pref.
101 Dryopteris ryo-itoana Sa.Kurata
Aplpine buckler fern
VU
102 Dryopteris sparsa (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Kuntze
Nagabanoitachishida fern
VU
103 Thelypteris hattorii (H.Itô) Tagawa var. nemoralis (Ching) Sa.Kurata Shikushiyawarashida fern
VU
104 Leptochilus buergerianus (Miq.) Bosman
Yanoneshida fern
VU
105 Pyrrosia hastata (Houtt.) Ching
Felt fern
VU
106 Micropolypodium okuboi (Yatabe) Hayata
Okuboshida fern
VU
107 Pellionia minima Makino
Sanshousou nettle
VU
108 Pilea angulata (Blume) Blume subsp. petiolaris (Siebold et Zucc.) C.J.Chen Miyamamizu nettle
VU
109 Balanophora nipponica Makino
Miyamatsuchitotimochi angiosperm VU
VU
110 Rumex dentatus L. subsp. klotzschianus (Meisn.) Rech.f.
Toothed ｄock
VU
VU
111 Magnolia stellata (Siebold et Zucc.) Maxim.
Star ｍagnolia
NT
VU
112 Aconitum grossedentatum (Nakai) Nakai
Monkshood
VU
113 Aconitum kiyomiense Kadota
Kiyomitorikabuto monkshood
VU
114 Aconitum loczyanum Rapaics
Reijinsou monkshood
VU
115 Aconitum pterocaule Koidz.
Azumareijinsou monkshood
VU
116 Caltha palustris L. var. enkoso H.Hara
Enkousou buttercup
VU
117 Caltha palustris L. var. pygmaea Makino
Kobanoryuukinka buttercup
VU
118 Clematis patens C.Morren et Decne.
Kazaguruma buttercup
NT
VU
119 Eranthis pinnatifida Maxim.
Setsubunsou buttercup
NT
VU
120 Hepatica nobilis Schreb. var. japonica Nakai
LiverleafNT
VU
121 Ranunculus nipponicus Nakai var. submersus H.Hara
Baikamo buttercup
VU
122 Berberis sieboldii Miq.
Hebinoborazu shrub
VU
123 Asarum fauriei Franch. var. nakaianum (F.Maek.) Ohwi ex T.Sugaw. Miyamamaoi
VU
VU
124 Hypericum japonicum Thunb.
Matted St. John's Wort
VU
125 Drosera peltata Thunb. var. nipponica (Masam.) Ohwi
Pale Sundew
NT
VU
126 Corydalis raddeana Regel
Nagaminotsurukikeman crested lark NT
VU
127 Astilbe odontophylla (Miq.) var. okuyamae (H.Hara) H.Hara Shikawashoma false goat's beard
NT
VU
128 Mitella stylosa H.Boissieu var. stylosa
Takimicharumerusou miterwort
NT
VU
129 Penthorum chinense Pursh
PenthorumNT
VU
130 Ribes ambiguum Maxim.
Trailing GooseberryNT
VU
131 Rubus pseudoacer Makino
Miyamamomijiichigo rose
NT
VU
132 Oxalis obtriangulata Maxim.
Ooyamakatabami wood sorrel
VU
VU
133 Euphorbia adenochlora C.Morren et Decne.
Sorushi spurge
NT
VU
134 Acer diabolicum Blume ex K.Koch
Devil Maple
VU
135 Daphne kiusiana Miq.
Koshonoki tree
VU
136 Elaeagnus montana Makino
Goumi
VU
137 Cicuta virosa L.
CowbaneVU
138 Schizocodon ilicifolius Maxim. var. nankaiensis T.Yamaz.
Nankaihimeiwakagami flower
VU
139 Primula tosaensis Yatabe var. tosaensis
Iwazakura primrose
NT
VU
140 Mitrasacme pygmaea R.Br.
Mitre flower
VU
141 Damnacanthus indicus Gaertn.f. var. lancifolius Makino
Hosobaooaridooshi madder
VU
142 Pseudopyxis depressa Miq.
Inamorisou madder
VU
143 Myosotis sylvatica (Ehrh.) Hoffm.
Forget-me-not
VU
144 Salvia lutescens (Koidz.) Koidz. var. stolonifera G.Nakai
Dandotamurasou mint
VU
145 Physaliastrum japonicum (Franch. et Sav.) Honda
Aohoozuki windshade
VU
VU
146 Gratiola japonica Miq.
Ooabunome hedgehyssop
VU
VU
147 Siphonostegia laeta S.Moore
Oohikiyomogi broomrape
VU
VU
148 Veronica polita Fr. var. lilacina (T.Yamaz.) T.Yamaz.
Grey field speedwell
VU
VU
149 Aeginetia indica L.
Forest ghost flower
VU
150 Aeginetia sinensis G.Beck
Oonanbangiseru ghost flower
VU
No.

Scientific Names

English Name

56

Red Book Data
MOE Gifu Pref.
151 Plantago hakusanensis Koidz.
Hakusanoobako plantain
VU
152 Linnaea borealis L.
Twinflower
VU
153 Zabelia integrifolia (Koidz.) Makino ex Ikuse et S.Kuros.
Iwatsukubaneutsugi honeysuckle
VU
VU
154 Atractylodes ovata (Thunb.) DC.
Okera daisy
VU
155 Gnaphalium hypoleucum DC.
Whiteleaved cudweedEN
VU
156 Hieracium umbellatum L.
Narrow leaved hawkweed
VU
157 Inula salicina L. var. asiatica Kitam.
Willowleaf yellowhead
VU
158 Tephroseris integrifolia (L.) Holub subsp. kirilowii (Turcz. ex DC.) B.Nord. Field fleawort
VU
159 Blyxa japonica (Miq.) Maxim. ex Asch. et Gürke
Bamboo plant
VU
160 Vallisneria denseserrulata (Makino) Makino
EelweedVU
161 Scheuchzeria palustris L.
Rannoch-Rush
VU
162 Potamogeton berchtoldii Fieber
Berchtold's pondweedNT
VU
163 Allium kiiense (Murata) Hir.Takah. et M.Hotta
Kiitorakkyou onion
VU
VU
164 Allium monanthum Maxim.
Korean wild chive
VU
165 Allium victorialis L. subsp. platyphyllum Hultén
Alpine leek
VU
166 Asparagus schoberioides Kunth
Kijikakushi asparagus
VU
167 Gagea lutea (L.) Ker Gawl.
Yellow star of Bethlehem
VU
168 Veratrum stamineum Maxim. var. micranthum Satake
Mikawabaikeisou corn lily
VU
VU
169 Iris laevigata Fisch.
Snowdrift irisNT
VU
170 Eragrostis aquatica Honda
Numakazekusa lovegrass
VU
171 Eulalia quadrinervis (Hack.) Kuntze
Unnukemodoki grass
NT
VU
172 Poa tuberifera Faurie ex Hack.
Mukagotsudzuri meadow-grass
VU
173 Arisaema angustatum Franch. et Sav.
Hosobatennanshou cobra-lily
VU
174 Arisaema ishizuchiense Murata subsp. brevicollum (H.Ohashi et J.Murata) Seriz. Kamikouchitennanshou cobra-lily VU
VU
175 Arisaema kishidae Makino ex Nakai
Kishidamamushidusa cobra-lily
VU
176 Bolboschoenus fluviatilis (Torr.) Soják subsp. yagara (Ohwi) T.Koyama River bulrush
VU
177 Carex gifuensis Franch.
Kurohinasuge sedge
VU
178 Carex idzuroei Franch. et Sav.
Umasuge sedge
VU
179 Carex lonchophora Ohwi
Ooaosuge sedge
VU
180 Fimbristylis aestivalis (Retz.) Vahl
Summer fringe bush
VU
181 Schoenoplectus nipponicus (Makino) Soják
Shizui club-rush
VU
182 Scirpus mitsukurianus Makino
Matsukasasusuki deergrass
VU
183 Alpinia japonica (Thunb.) Miq.
Hanamyouga ginger
VU
184 Calanthe discolor Lindl. var. discolor
Ground orchid
NT
VU
185 Cephalanthera erecta (Thunb.) Blume var. subaphylla (Miyabe et Kudô) Ohwi Yuushunran orchid
VU
VU
186 Cephalanthera falcata (Thunb.) Blume
Sickle shaped leaf cephalanthera
VU
VU
187 Dactylorhiza aristata (Fisch. ex Lindl.) Soó
Key Flower
VU
188 Lecanorchis japonica Blume var. hokurikuensis (Masam.) T.Hashim. Hokurikumuyouran orchid
VU
189 Lecanorchis suginoana (Tuyama) Seriz.
Enshuumuyouran orchid
VU
190 Oberonia japonica (Maxim.) Makino
Kourakuran orchid
VU
191 Platanthera iinumae (Makino )Makino
Platanthera iinumae orchid
VU
192 Yoania japonica Maxim.
Shoukiran orchid
VU
193 Botrychium multifidum (S.G.Gmel.) Rupr.
Leathery grapefernNT
194 Botrychium strictum Underw.
Grapefern
NT
195 Asplenium oligophlebium Baker
Kamigamoshida spleewort
NT
196 Asplenium wrightii D.C.Eaton ex Hook.
Kurumashida spleenwort
NT
197 Asplenium tripteropus Nakai
Maidenhair spleenwort
NT
198 Cyrtomium yamamotoi Tagawa
Miyakoyabusotetsu fern
NT
199 Dryopteris decipiens (Hook.) Kuntze
Nachikujyaku wood fern
NT
200 Diplaziopsis cavaleriana (H.Christ) C.Chr.
Iwayashida fern
NT
No.

Scientific Name

English Name

57

Red Book Data
MOE Gifu Pref.
201 Alnus trabeculosa Hand.-Mazz.
Sakurabahannoki birch
NTNT
202 Pilea notata C.H.WrightKomiyamamizu flower
NT
203 Taxillus kaempferi (DC.) Danser
Matsugumi treeNT
204 Persicaria sagittata (L.) H.Gross var. sibirica (Meisn.) Miyabe American tearthumbNT
205 Persicaria praetermissa (Hook.f.) H.Hara
Spotted knotweed
NT
206 Persicaria hastatosagittata (Makino) Nakai
Nagabanounagitsukami knotweed NTNT
207 Persicaria maackiana (Regel) Nakai
Sadekusa knotweed
NT
208 Persicaria taquetii (H.Lév.) Koidz.
Nukabotade knotweed
VU
NT
209 Magnolia sieboldii K.Koch subsp. japonica K.Ueda
Oyama MagnoliaNT
210 Nymphaea tetragona Georgi
Pygmy water LillyNT
211 Ceratophyllum demersum L.
Rigid hornwort
NT
212 Drosera tokaiensis (Komiya et C.Shibata) T.Nakam. et K.Ueda Toukaikomousengoke sundew
NT
213 Corydalis heterocarpa Siebold et Zucc. var. japonica (Franch. et Sav.) Ohwi Japanese false bleeding heartNT
214 Hylomecon japonica (Thunb.) Prantl et Kündig
Forest poppyNT
215 Orostachys japonica (Maxim.) A.Berger
Rock pineNT
NT
216 Chrysosplenium nagasei Wakab. et H.Ohba var. porphyranthes Wakab. et H.Ohba Iowa golden saxifrage
NT
217 Deinanthe bifida Maxim.
False hydrangea
NT
218 Peltoboykinia tellimoides (Maxim.) H.Hara
Yawatasou grassNT
219 Parnassia foliosa Hook.f. et Thomson var. foliosa
Shirahigensou bog-starNT
220 Geum ternatum (Stephan) Smedmark
Kokinbai avenNT
221 Potentilla chinensis Ser.
Kawarasaiko roseNT
222 Potentilla togasii Ohwi
Echigokijimushiro roseNT
223 Potentilla rosulifera H.Lév.
Tsurukinbai roseNT
224 Rubus mesogaeus Focke
Kuroichigo berryNT
225 Sanguisorba hakusanensis Makino
Lilac squirrel
NT
226 Sanguisorba longifolia Bertol.
Miyamawaremokou burnet
NT
227 Spiraea dasyantha Bunge
Ibukishimotsuke shrubNT
228 Astragalus reflexistipulus Miq.
Momendzuru pea plantNT
229 Lespedeza tomentosa (Thunb.) Siebold ex Maxim.
Inuhagi lespedeza
VU
NT
230 Lespedeza virgata (Thunb.) DC.
Wand lespedezaNT
231 Vicia amoena Fisch. ex Ser.
Tsurufujibakama vetch
NT
232 Vicia nipponica Matsum.
Yotsubahaki vetch
NT
233 Geranium yoshinoi Makino ex Nakai
Variegated cranesbill geraniumNT
234 Acer nipponicum H.Hara subsp. nipponicum var. nipponicum Nippon Maple
NT
235 Celastrus flagellaris Rupr.
Iwaumedzuru staff vineNT
236 Actinostemma tenerum Griff.
Gokidzuru gourdNT
237 Ludwigia ovalis Miq.
Mizuyukinoshita water primroseNT
238 Theligonum japonicum Okubo et Makino
Yamatogusa madderNT
239 Libanotis ugoensis (Koidz.) Kitag. var. japonica (H.Boissieu) T.Yamaz. Ibukiboufuu celeryNT
240 Hypopitys monotropa Crantz
Dutchman's pipeNT
241 Ardisia crispa (Thunb.) A.DC.
Coral berryNT
242 Primula japonica A.Gray
Japanese primroseNT
243 Syringa reticulata (Blume) H.Hara
Japanese tree lilacNT
244 Vincetoxicum pycnostelma Kitag.
Suzusaiko dogbane
NTNT
245 Lithospermum zollingeri A.DC.
Hotarukazura borage
NT
246 Loxocalyx ambiguus (Makino) Makino
Manekiguza mintNTNT
247 Scutellaria dependens Maxim.
Semenamiki mint
NT
248 Scutellaria laeteviolacea Koidz. var. maekawae (H.Hara) H.Hara Onagatatsunamisou mintNT
249 Limnophila chinensis (Osbeck) Merr. subsp. aromatica (Lam.) T.Yamaz. Shisokusa plantainNT
250 Patrinia scabiosifolia Fisch. ex Trevir.
Golden lace
NT
No.

Scientific Name

English Name

58

No.

Scientific Name

English Name

251 Scabiosa japonica Miq. var. japonica
Pincushion flower
252 Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC.
Balloon flower
253 Achillea alpina L. var. longiligulata H. Hara
Chinese yarrow
254 Eupatorium japonicum Thunb.
Pei lan
255 Hololeion krameri (Franch. et Sav.) Kitam.
Suiran daisy
256 Inula ciliaris (Miq.) Maxim.
Mizugiku aster
257 Parasenecio yatabei (Matsum. et Koidz.) H. Koyama var. yatabei Yamataimingasa daisy
258 Parasenecio yatabei (Matsum. et Koidz.) H. Koyama var. occidentalis (F. Maek. ex Kitam.) H. Koyama Mishinoyamataimingasa daisy
259 Hemerocallis citrina Baroni var. vespertina (H. Hara) M. Hotta Long yellow day lily
260 Lilium leichtlinii Hook. f. f. pseudotigrinum (Carrière) H. Hara et Kitam. Leitchlin's lily
261 Triantha japonica (Miq.) Baker
Iwashoubu grass
262 Iris gracilipes A. Gray
Crested isis263 Juncus setchuensis Buchenau var. effusoides Buchenau
Hosoi rush
264 Agrostis valvata Steud.
Himekonukagusai grass
265 Coelachne japonica Hack.
Hinazasa grass
266 Phragmites karka (Retz.) Trin. ex Steud.
Tall reed
267 Spodiopogon depauperatus Hack.
Frost grass
268 Spodiopogon sibiricus Trin.
Grass ornamental
269 Carex ischnostachya Steud. var. fastigiata T.Koyama
Okinawajuzusuge grass
270 Carex sachalinensis F.Schmidt var. aureobrunnea (Ohwi) Ohwi Chaitosuge grass
271 Cyperus nipponicus Franch. et Sav. var. spiralis Ohwi
Ooshirogayatsuri sedge
272 Scleria parvula Steud.
Koshinjugaya sedge
273 Bulbophyllum drymoglossum Maxim. ex Okubo
Mamedzutaran orchid
274 Bulbophyllum inconspicuum Maxim.
Mugiran orchid
275 Cephalathera erecta (Thunb.) Blume var. erecta
Ginran orchid
276 Dactylorhiza viridis ( L.) R. M. Bateman. A. M. Priclgeton et M. W. Chase Frog orchid
277 Cyrtosia seotentrionalis (Rchb. f.) Garay C.
Tsuchiakebi orchid
278 Dactylostalix ringens Rchb. f.
The rigid dactylostalix
279 Epipactis thunbergii A. Gray
Thunberg's epipactus
280 Gastro dia verrucosa Blume
Gastrodia verrucosa orchid
281 Neolindleya camtschatica (Cham.) Nevski
Nobinechidori orchid
282 Neottia makinoana (Ohwi) Szlach.
Aofutabaran orchid
283 Oreorchis patens (lindl.) Lindl.
The free oreochis
284 Platanthera florentii Franch. et Sav.
Jinbaisou orchid
285 Platanthera mandarinorum Rchb. f. var. oreades (Franch. Et Sav.) Koidz. Yamasagisou orchid* Ministry of the Environment (MOE) (2012) The 4th Red List
* Gifu Prefecture (2014) Gifu Prefectural Red Data Book (Plants) Revised Edition

59

Red Deta Book
MOE Gifu Pref.
NT
VU
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT
NT