Why recreational fishing is so common in Japan

One thing that surprised me from the minute I stepped foot in Japan, is the amount of people who fish. I see people daily fishing at rivers, the sea, creeks, irrigation canals and all and any type of bodies of water. The man in the photo in this post is fishing at a pond in a recreational park! 

One of the biggest reasons for this accessibility is Japan’s regulatory approach. There is no national recreational fishing license, and for the most part waterway access permits are not required. Most sea fishing is completely free, and even freshwater fishing rarely requires any kind of permission or fee. Unless you visit a dedicated fishing park (or equivalent), you can pick up a rod and start fishing without paperwork, planning, or cost. This creates a culture where fishing is spontaneous, family‑friendly, and easy to enjoy — something people do after school or work, on a quiet Sunday morning, or during a holiday outing.

In contrast, in my home country of Ireland, you rarely see people fishing anymore because fishing has become more and more regulated over the years. I do like the freedom Japan's approach grants, but not without concern. But overall, fishing is so deeply tied to culture and society I can't imagine it every being any other way. The relaxed, approachable way to fishing and how it is deeply connected to both nature and the dinner table, makes recreational fishing a natural fit in Japan.