Lines of Food: Japan
Lines of Food: Men and Fishing - Japan
Fishing is a highly respected activity in Japan. In Unzen City, fishing secrets and techniques are proudly handed down from father to son, and are melded perfectly with the traditional Japanese lifestyle and philosophy. Being part of the slow fishing process is a real dream for those who do not descend from a fishermen’s family. Those few will be sure to work with grand efforts.
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90 million tons of fish are captured annually, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Fisheries are global businesses that provide income and sustenance to millions of people. For a large part, the fishing culture in each community is more than just a mere source of income, but a core element of the community’s identity.
The photo essay series "Lines of Food: Men and Fishing" capture stories from the life and work of fishermen in three distinct communities: Alaska, USA, Unzen City, Japan and Kalemie, Democratic Republic of Congo. These communities, with differing fishing traditions, settled in different parts of the world, are subtly the same as fishing is the main element of daily life for each one.These three regions are highly influenced by their traditional fishing natures; this is reflected in both individual and communal levels and is affected by the cultural context of each region, thus representing global diversity through a common activity.
This visual exploration highlights the contrast and similarities of these communities, with the aim to uncover the divergent narrative thread behind each community’s relationship to the profession.
Fishing is a highly respected activity in Japan. In Unzen City, fishing secrets and techniques are proudly handed down from father to son, and are melded perfectly with the traditional Japanese lifestyle and philosophy. Being part of the slow fishing process is a real dream for those who do not descend from a fishermen’s family. Those few will be sure to work with grand efforts.
- - -
90 million tons of fish are captured annually, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Fisheries are global businesses that provide income and sustenance to millions of people. For a large part, the fishing culture in each community is more than just a mere source of income, but a core element of the community’s identity.
The photo essay series "Lines of Food: Men and Fishing" capture stories from the life and work of fishermen in three distinct communities: Alaska, USA, Unzen City, Japan and Kalemie, Democratic Republic of Congo. These communities, with differing fishing traditions, settled in different parts of the world, are subtly the same as fishing is the main element of daily life for each one.These three regions are highly influenced by their traditional fishing natures; this is reflected in both individual and communal levels and is affected by the cultural context of each region, thus representing global diversity through a common activity.
This visual exploration highlights the contrast and similarities of these communities, with the aim to uncover the divergent narrative thread behind each community’s relationship to the profession.
