Inspired by our collection of Japanese Meiji-era marine-life and fishing-themed works of art, we thought it a good opportunity to write a short article about fishing in Japan and the important role that this industry and sport has played in Japanese life over the years. We hope you enjoy the read and as always, you can click on any of the images in this article to take a closer look at the work in question.
As an island nation with almost 30,000 kilometres of coastline (the sixth largest in the world), fishing has been an important part of Japanese life for centuries. Nearly 2,000 species of fish and hundreds more species of shellfish inhabit the waters around Japan and at one point in the 19th Century, more than one in sixteen Japanese worked in the fishing industry.
The country has a rugged volcanic, mountainous terrain which has historically made it difficult to raise cattle and other large farm animals at any real scale so the harvesting of seafood from the waters in and around Japan has long been a vital source of protein for the population.
Rice farming was introduced to Japan from Korea around the 3rd Century (BC) and that played a part in smaller animals such as chickens and pigs being farmed for food. These animals needed little space and could feed on the unwanted rice bi-products. The rice provided much needed carbohydrates to the Japanese diet and this complemented the protein found in pork, poultry and of course, seafood.
Around 600 AD though, the then Emperor Temmu decided to prohibit the consumption of Pork, chicken, horse and Ox. This legislation was partially due to the rise of Buddhism at the time and the growing belief in reincarnation. You wouldn’t want to accidentally consume your ancestors or future descendants.
This change to the Japanese diet lasted for centuries until the Portuguese arrived in Japan in the 16th Century. With the Portuguese, the influence of western culture and belief systems led to eating meat being less of a taboo amongst the Japanese population.
Seafood has been a constant though in the Japanese diet and in the 1930s Japan was able to boast the Worlds’ largest fishing fleet, an impressive feat for a relatively small country.
The Japanese have practiced and perfected many different fishing techniques and in 1905, National Geographic Magazine was quoted as saying “Japan takes first rank among the national ingenuity and skill shown by the people in devising and using fishing appliances.”
Although fishing is not immediately associated with Samurai, it was a popular activity. Many Samurai enjoyed creating their own flies, skillfully bending sewing needles into hooks and wrapping scraps of silk and Kimono to attract the fish. In fact, the Samurai were the only people permitted to partake in Ayu-fishing.
The Ayu is a river-fish bearing a resemblance to the Smelt. Ayu fishing was practiced by the Samurai during the Edo Period (1603-1868) and involved very long rods, (in some cases up to 11 metres long). At some points during the Edo Period, martial arts and sword-training were forbidden and this peculiar form of fishing was seen as a good substitute for practicing with a sword. Balancing on the rocks on the banks of a river was also a good way to strengthen the legs and core for agility in combat.
Fishing wasn’t just for the Noble classes though. It was an important food source for all. Naga-Nawa was a form of folk-fishing which involved dragging a long hemp line with many hooks through the water.
While the men fished the Sea, it was common for women to harvest shellfish from nearby rocks. Japanese women were also considered to be superior divers to men because of the ability to hold their breath for longer so free-diving Ama (sea women) would search underwater for shellfish and pearls. Training would begin at around 12 years of age and it wasn’t unheard of for Ama women to still be diving well into their 70s. Ama women are greatly respected in Japan and are well known for wearing traditional white headscarves which are said to ward off evil.
Ebisu is the Japanese God of fishing as well as being a Deity of wealth in business and abundance in crops. He is the only one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Fortune to originate purely from Japan.
A bit of an enigma in Japan, legend has it that Ebisu was born without bones and was cruelly abandoned by his parents. It is said that he was floated out to Sea but was saved and taken in by a Deity named Ebisu Saburo. Here he became strong and excelled as a fisherman. Due to his association with fishing and the abundance of sea-life he gained his status as the Patron God of Fishermen. He is a hugely popular figure in Japan and is often depicted with a joyful expression on his face and with a large fish and a fishing rod.
We previously wrote a blog inspired by the below fascinating Bronze and multi-metal basket of Seafood by celebrated Meiji-era metal-worker Oshima Joun. The basket contained some of the most-prized delicacies in Washoku – the traditional Japanese diet. You can click here or on the below image to read more.
You may also find our article about the legendary Koi Carp interesting. This fresh-water fish is revered in Japan and recognised around the world as one of the most symbolic icons in Japanese culture and history. Click here or on the image below to dive into our blog.
Finally, and while we’ve got you “hooked”, you might like to take a look at our Featured Item of the Month for July 2024, this Masterful, Iron and Multi-metal dish by the Komai Company of Kyoto and depicting the dramatic scene as a Giant Sea Eagle swoops on a Japanese fishing village. Click here or on the image below to take a closer look.
sam; barnes; photography; still life; liquid; food; pr; photographer
We hope you enjoyed this article. You can browse over 100 short-stories inspired by our collection of Chinese and Japanese Fine Art and Antiques by clicking here.
