Gifu's Nagara River Cormorant Fishing Faces Uncertain Future Amid Climate Challenges

In a rapidly changing environment, the future of the Nagara River cormorant fishing, a cherished tradition for over 1,300 years, hangs in the balance. Speaking at a recent talk show held at Nikon Plaza Osaka's 'THE GALLERY,' influential local figures underlined the urgency of the situation as they collaborated on promotional activities for Gifu's Yamagata City.

Organized by Pony Canyon Co., Ltd. and Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank, this initiative aims to leverage their strengths to promote Yamagata City starting in 2024. The event featured renowned photographer Atsushi Kobayashi and Yukon Kawai, a local revitalization sauna producer and outdoor writer, who shared their experiences and insights into the city's unique features during the discussion on July 26.

A significant point raised by Kawai was his belief that without immediate action, cormorant fishing could disappear in just a few years. This alarming prediction stems from rising water temperatures in the Nagara River, attributed to climate change—a phenomenon that has long-term implications for the aquatic ecosystem. The confluence of the Enbara River, flowing through Yamagata City, is one of the last protecting factors keeping the water temperature stable, providing a critical refuge for the fish vital to this age-old fishing tradition.

During the discussion, both Kawai and Kobayashi talked about the unique characteristics and attractions of the Enbara River. The river features remarkably clean 'phreatic water', sourced from limestone deposits, which is both cold and rich in minerals—an exceedingly rare type of 'medium hard water'. With convenient access from cities like Nagoya, the Enbara River offers a sacred atmosphere akin to Yakushima, enhancing its allure as a sustainable haven.

Kawai highlighted the detrimental effects of climate change on the Nagara River, reporting that the rising temperatures are nearing the upper limits for Ayu fish to thrive. Yet, the Enbara River cools the water, maintaining temperatures of around 14-15 degrees even during the hottest months of summer, thus preserving this vital habitat. However, he voiced concern over decreasing water levels due to excessive past reforestation efforts and the decline of the forestry industry—issues that threaten the river's health long term.

This urgency drove the creation of 'THE WATERS -Retreat Terrace Enbara-', a sauna facility Kawai has been developing since early spring. The concept revolves around the idea that when people are soothed, so too are the community and nature around them. This retreat offers a unique sauna experience, utilizing wood-fire heating, herbal steam, phreatic water baths, and outdoor forest bathing. Kobayashi, who has visited this unique facility, praised it as an unparalleled sensory escape.

However, both Kawai and Kobayashi stressed the importance of responsible tourism and community engagement. The presence of poorly behaved visitors has sometimes marred the reputation of the area, garnering resentment from local residents. They emphasized that simply showcasing beautiful photography isn't enough; it's crucial to share the local narrative and concerns to foster sustainable tourism that benefits the community economically.

As natural landscapes become increasingly consumerized, Kawai seeks to raise awareness of the fragile state of these local ecosystems while promoting meaningful engagement with them. He encouraged individuals feeling stifled by urban life to seek solace in such rejuvenating locations. The response from Kobayashi underscored that exploring these areas must come with an understanding of their cultural and environmental significance.

Moving forward, Pony Canyon and Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank plan to continue their partnership under the moniker 'Yamagata co-labo'. This initiative is aimed at creating new opportunities for various organizations, businesses, and independent contractors in Yamagata City, focusing on innovation and sustainability.

As Yamagata City endeavors to retain its cultural identity amid environmental changes, the collaborative efforts of local influencers may illuminate the path toward a sustainable future and preserve the rich heritage of the Nagara River cormorant fishing for generations to come.