prologue
Listen to the people, and learn about daily life in Esashi
In 2017, the story of Esashi Town, “May in Esashi exceeds even Edo -- A town brought to life by prosperous herring fishery”, was recognized as Hokkaido’s first official ‘Japan Heritage’. This special feature explores the lives and stories of these remarkable townspeople.
2018/07/25
A Fishermen in Esashi, Living in Harmony with the Sea
Kamome Island is the symbol of Esashi. The history of the town began from the island’s natural harbor. A house stands at the entrance of the island. I visited Aosaka Takayuki, a third generation fisherman on the island.
2018/07/25
A festival that’s continued for 375 years
The Ubagami Daijingu Togyo Festival – held every year from August 9 to 11 – is what the residents of Esashi most look forward to every year. Approximately 50,000 people gather in the town – which has a population of only 8,000 – to watch portable shrines and 13 floats being paraded around the streets.
2018/08/01
It’s hard to understand the charms of a town just by walking around. How do the people of Esashi talk about and convey its appeal?
2018/08/08
Connecting to hometown cooking
I met people who prepare local cuisine in Esashi. Their wisdom in life; preserving vegetables and seafood through the winter and enjoying their meals is still attractive.
2018/08/15
The way of living, Esashi Oiwake
Esashi Oiwake settles deep in the heart of the listener. These songs mesmerize.
2018/08/22
Back to the Town of 100 Years Ago
Long ago in Esashi, the ground was thick with Japanese cypress, and the cypress-covered mountains were a precious asset. Many of those trees were lost, and people are now planting trees for 100 years in the future.
2018/08/29
