### Section 2. Fisheries and Fishing Communities—Supporting Japan's Fish-eating Culture

(1) Fisheries, Fishing Communities, and Fish Culture Which Have Been Developed by Japan's Natural Environment

○ Japan has a diverse natural environment extending from a subarctic climate to a subtropical climate, which has developed a rich fishing ground that is regarded as one of the three richest in the world.

○ Japan has unique fishing communities with their own traditional culture and scenery all along its coasts.

☐ The rich coastal and marine areas surrounding Japan has developed the fish-eating culture that is unique to each region.

World's Three Richest Fishing Grounds

## Examples of Local Dishes of Farming, Mountain, and Fishing Communities Using Fishery Products

Shiga Prefecture: Funa zushi [nigorobuna (Japanese crucian carp) pickled with rice]

Source: "One Hundred Selected Local Dishes of Farming, Mountain, and Fishing Communities," Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

## (2) Tracing Back the History of Japan's Fisheries and Fishing Communities

○ In ancient times, there were people who were involved in not only fisheries, but also in marine transportation and commerce, and had broad exchanges with neighboring countries. They were called “ama” or “amabe.”

○ Since medieval times, kaimin (sea people) emerged as multi business operators who served not only as fishers, but also as marine transporters and the navy. Coastal whaling, which became active in the Edo period (1600–1868), formed a major industry of fishing communities that supported various types of industries including meat processing and the production of whale oil, fertilizers, and fishing gear. It was said that catching one whale brings profits to seven fishing communities.

☐ In the Edo period, the formation of fishing communities made progress as people began to settle in the communities and became full-time fishers due in part to the Edo shogunate's policy. Also, dried fishery products called tawaramono were actively exported.

○ Since the Meiji period (1868–1912), fisheries have expanded from coastal fisheries to offshore and far sea fisheries, and have contributed to the acquisition of foreign currency and the stable supply of food to the Japanese people.

## History of Fisheries and Fishing Communities (From Ancient to Early-Modern and Modern Times)

Ancient times

- An Imperial order was issued that all people shall be allowed to equally use mountains, rivers, groves, and wetlands.

- Roles of sea people were fisheries, commerce, and the navy.

Late medieval times

- Collection of land tax by temples, etc. was strengthened, and settled fishery was spread by recognizing exclusive rights over fishing grounds.

- Samurai dominated some fishers in their respective areas.

- Animoto (heads of fishers' groups) and funanushi (shipowners) emerged.

Early modern times

- People engaged in migratory fishery or living in ebune (dwelling boats) came to settle in communities. The Edo shogunate indicated a principle that inshore fishing grounds shall be managed by nearby fishing communities, while offshore fishing grounds shall be common areas.

Isotsukimura (communities of households half engaged in agriculture and half in fisheries), urakata (communities of households engaged in fisheries full-time)

## Modern times

- Industrial capitals were formed.

- Fisheries were modernized through the introduction of western technology.

Meiji (1868–1912)

Taisho (1912–1926)

Showa (1926–1989)

Heisei (1989–)

Source: Compiled by Fisheries Agency based on "Economic History of Japan's Ancient Fisheries" (Kaizosha) by Yukichi Habara and other materials.

- The fisheries industry shrank due to the strengthening of international regulations, such as the introduction of the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone for coastal nations.