If you save the trout, good things await you

Masa is a farmer in Asahikawa, Hokkaido.

It's my daily routine to see the irrigation canal that runs alongside the rice fields.

One day, Masa saw a large number of trout lost in an irrigation canal.

Before the rice harvest, the water is stopped from flowing into the irrigation channel to prevent it from entering the rice fields.

What will happen to the trout?

If the water in the irrigation canal stops flowing, the fish will die due to the rise in water temperature and decrease in water volume.

Having seen such a scene up close, Masa, a farmer-angler with a kind heart and a genuine love for trout (despite his intimidating face lol), called out to his friends and began an activity to rescue trout that had gotten lost in irrigation canals a year before 2022.

Trout Rescue Mission!!

I learned about this activity last year and wanted to take part, so I traveled to Hokkaido.

Masa was worried that if they participated, people other than true trout lovers might come, so they decided to participate without saying anything.

Masa gives a serious explanation as he explains why trout get lost in irrigation canals, how they interact with the government, and how to protect them.

It was impressive to see their serious expressions, which was different from when they were fishing.

The participants listened to Masa's talk with serious expressions on their faces.

When we arrived at the site and looked out of the canal, we were surprised to see so many fish!!

While enjoying the great outdoors of Hokkaido, it's time to catch some!!

The water quality in the irrigation canal is poor and it's difficult to see the fish from below, so this is quite difficult...

Using a variety of equipment and teamwork with many participants, we caught 89 fish.

To the river where they naturally live

With the help of a farmer who owns a huge tank, they moved to a river that flows near a rice field where there is an irrigation canal, and from there the trout were released into the river.

Now it's time for a bucket relay!!

A bridge for trout lovers transports the trout from their cars to the river.

The trout swam away happily, and their lives that would have been lost in the irrigation canal built for human convenience were saved.

Most of the fish rescued were yamame, cherry salmon, and rainbow trout.

Rock-paper-scissors tournament

From here on, everyone will have a lively rock-paper-scissors tournament!!

We sponsored prizes for all participants.

Thank you to everyone who participated.