The Connection Between
Ayu and the People of Satokawa

The Nagara River is considered one of Japanʼs three clearest rivers.

The River runs through Gifu Prefecture from
Mt. Dainichigatake in northern Gifu to the south,
joining the Ibi River in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, and flowing into Ise Bay.

The total length of the river is 166 km, and 860,000 people live in the basin.

The Nagara River is a popular river fishery spot, especially for ayu.
Cormorant fishing, which is
popular among tourists, is also a part of ayu fishing.

The Nagara River's ayu is a "taste of Gifu," as evidenced by ayu sushi
and Japanese sweets in the shape of ayu.

Thanks to the clear waters of the Nagara River,
some of Japan's most delicious ayu fish can be grown.

In addition to ayu, the area is home to a great deal of biodiversity,
including the Pacific salmon, Japanese mitten crabs, the giant salamander
(a special natural treasure), and the catfish (a natural treasure).

Many traditional fishing methods have been passed down on the Nagara River,
including cormorant fishing with a 1,300 year history, shoal net fishing,
night net fishing and so on.

Traditional industries such as Japanese paper and dyeing
have been developed using the water from the Nagara River.

Since ancient times, the river has connected mountains, towns,
and the sea like a highway, and has helped develop the economy.