Japanese Fishing
When we think of Japan, one of the firsts things that comes to mind is the beautifully made sushi that chefs all around Japan create with much time and effort. Japan was able to develop this fine tradition of culinary art mainly because of where Japan is located. Japan, as we know, is an island engulfed by the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea, the Yellow Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. These waters are abundant with some of the world's tastiest fish, and believe me, Japan takes advantage of that.
The tiny island of Japan is responsible for about 8% of the world's fish. Back in 2000, Japan caught nearly 5 million tons of fish, resulting in being the number three supplier of the world's fish. In Japan alone, nearly 11,500lbs of fish are consumed a day, so the 416,000 registered fishing boats Japan has are always busy. Japan earns close to $15.5 billion dollars yearly for exporting fish to other countries, which as you can see is a vital portion of their economy.
What most people don't know is that Japan is the top whaling country in the world. Japan not only uses whales as food, but also creates byproducts from them such as oil and soap. In 2000, Japan caught about 16,700 toothed whales which made up a whopping 82% of the world's whale supply.
Japan has tried to fish in many other areas of the world as well, such as in Canadian waters for salmon, the Sea of Okhotsk near Russia, the Arafura Sea for pearls from oysters, and in the United States, particularly the North Pacific and Alaskan waters. However, these nations verbally fought against Japan and passed fishing laws banning them from those regions. To fish in these areas, the Japan must either first pay or have an agreement passed by the other nation's government.
In addition to venturing out into the ocean to find fish, the Japanese often cultivate fish as well. Last year, Japan produced an additional 1.5 million lbs of fish just with cultivation alone. The most popular sea life that japan breeds are laver, yesso scallops, Pacific cupped oysters, and Japanese amberjack. Japan also cultures seaweed to be used in preparing certain delicacies and pearls to be sent to jewelers around the world.
As technology develops, do you think Japan's video game industry will ever prove to be more important economically than Japan's fishing industry?
I think Japan's fishing industry will always be the most important for its economy. People will never get sick of the fish and if they continue to catch these wonderful fish then people will continue to buy them. The video game industry will continue to be important and will grow more and more but I think the fishing industry will always be the most important in Japan.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Japan's video game industry will ever be able to surpass the fish industry, just because its always been very important in Japan and is used for many things, not just food. Though the technology may be getting better, fish will always be in Japanese culture one way or another.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that Japan's finishing industry will remain most important for its economy. Although Japan is responsible for a major technological improvements, their fishing industry has been a successful aspect of the economy for years and years.
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