At 2:00 AM, while the rest of the city is still in a deep sleep, a quiet energy begins to build at a fishing port on Toyama Bay.
The sound of engines breaks the silence of the night as two fishing boats glide out into the pitch-black sea. Their destination is just a few kilometers from the port. Toyama Bay features a rare topography that drops off steeply right from the shore, earning it the nickname "Nature's Fish Tank." Because the fishing grounds are so close, the boats reach their points quickly without burning large amounts of fossil fuels. Minimizing their carbon footprint while bringing in the freshest possible catch—this is everyday life on Toyama Bay.
The Philosophy of Waiting: Ecchu-Style Set Net Fishing
What we are witnessing is a 400-year-old fishing method known as Ecchu-shiki Teichiami (Ecchu-style set net fishing).
While many large-scale commercial fisheries around the world aggressively trawl the oceans with massive nets, set net fishing is a passive method: it waits quietly for the fish to arrive. Of all the fish that enter the underwater trap, only about 20 to 30 percent are actually caught. The remaining 70 percent or more simply swim through the nets and return freely to the open sea.
"Never take everything the ocean offers." Long before terms like SDGs or sustainability became global buzzwords, this wisdom of not disrupting the natural cycle has been passed down through generations of local fishermen as a way of peaceful coexistence with nature.
A Midnight Symphony of Artisans
Upon arriving at the fishing grounds, the work begins with few words spoken.
Working in perfect sync, the crews of the two boats quietly haul up the nets. As the fish are gently corralled, the fishermen use large hand nets called tamo to scoop them up carefully, ensuring the catch is not bruised or damaged.
It is a meticulous process that retains the warmth of handcraftsmanship, a stark contrast to mechanical overfishing. Once the catch is secured, they reset the nets to their original positions and move on to the next point.
By just before 5:00 AM, as the eastern sky begins to lighten, the boats return to the port. The sorting of the fish and the morning auction begin immediately. Once the auction concludes and the fishing gear is immaculately cleaned and put away, their workday comes to a quiet end.
Passing the Baton Through Silent Action
One of the most striking things you notice when visiting this port is the large number of young fishermen working vigorously on the docks.
In an era where the aging of primary industries is a global concern, Toyama Bay's set net fishery has successfully created a sustainable working environment and a system that encourages younger generations to enter the field. A humane work schedule and a team-based business structure have attracted young talent, ensuring that this tradition will survive.
You will never hear these fishermen bragging about "sustainability" or "protecting traditions."
"We go to the sea just like we did yesterday, we take only what we need, and we will go to the sea again tomorrow."
The beautiful oceans and rich food culture of Toyama Bay continue to be protected today by the deep respect and philosophy of these quiet artisans.
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