Issue:

Hui Zhao hooks a squid.

IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE start of the first leg of the Hokkaido Bullet train between Aomori and Hakodate, the Special Projects Committee arranged a press tour to Aomori and Akita in the Tohoku region and Hakodate in Hokkaido from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.

Escorted by a matagi (a traditional bear hunter), six journalists took a short trek in the 12 Lakes area in a nature reserve, where they could admire the autumn leaves in the beech and maple forests for which the region is famous. They could also experience the sight of the season’s first snows in the local mountains.

In Hakodate’s Morning Market the party could experience the unique squid-fishing pool where visitors can fish for live squid. The price tag per creature depends on the market supply and is usually in the range of ¥800 to ¥1,000. Bad weather had prevented the local fishermen from sailing and had driven up the prices. Party member Hui Zhao caught a specimen costing ¥1,600, which was then cut, roasted and eaten by the FCCJ members.

In comparison to the rural farming villages of Tohoku, Hakodate which was one of the first international treaty ports opened at the end of the Tokugawa government shows a turn of the century sophistication thanks to its churches and western style restaurants.

The press visit was supported by the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA), the tourism arm of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.


– Haruko Watanabe