Now Reports

Itoshima People: A New Video Series

Itoshima City has created a series of videos to introduce Japanese and foreigners alike to the people of Itoshima and the work they are doing – keeping traditions alive and forging new frontiers. The six short videos cover a range of profiles from the fishermen of Genkai Sea to teams working to solve the energy crisis. Itoshima is where old meets new, and tradition meets innovation. All but one of the six videos has English subtitles. This is a great way to see more of Itoshima beyond its sandy beaches. Please leave a comment at the bottom of this page, we’d love to hear your thoughts.

People of the Sea
This video introduces the people of Itoshima who rely on the Genkai Sea for their livelihoods. In particular, it follows the Umemoto family, fourth generation fishermen who have inherited the traditional fishing method Isso Gochi Netting.

People of the Mountains
There are 10,000 hectares of forest in Itoshima. This video introduces the people of Itoshima who have been working for over 20 years to leave a healthy forest for the next generation.

People of the Land
Agriculture and the traditions surrounding it have been alive and well in Itoshima since ancient times. This video follows Masaru Tezuka in particular, a fifth generation rice farmer who has been working the land for around 50 years, and has taken part in the kagura (Shinto dance and music performance given in thanks for a good harvest) for more than 40 years.

The Trendsetters (People of the Pioneers)
About 2,000 years ago, Itoshima City was a place which enjoyed some of Japan’s most advanced technology. This video introduces the people of Itoshima who even now are working to pioneer new technology. Dr. Kazunari Sasaki, director of hydrogen research at the International Research Center for Hydrogen Energy since 2006, is leading a team who are working together to solve the energy crisis in Japan using hydrogen energy.

The Creators (People of the Creation)
Itoshima City seems to have always been a place for creative souls, with evidence of traditional crafts remaining from ancient times. Even now, Itoshima is famous for being a hub for artists. This video introduces the people of Itoshima who continue to craft furniture as well as their own futures.

To Live with the Genkai Sea
This video focuses on the Genkai Sea, which is rich in resources and intrinsic to the livelihood of local residents. Nijo sits where the skirts of Mt. Sefuri and the waves of the Genkai Sea meet; learn about the agricultural and fishing traditions of the local people, and the jinkosai they perform to show their appreciation for a successful harvest and to pray for another successful year. (Japanese only, no subtitles).

Category
Seasonal Guide
Itoshima
Published: Apr 7, 2016 / Last Updated: Jun 26, 2017

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