Amazing Story Japanese Local Wisdom in Satoyama Villages

Summary

The video explores a traditional village in Japan, showcasing the sustainable use of water and its connection to local life. It follows the preparation of Funes sushi, a fermented fish dish believed to have originated over a thousand years ago. The village's water system is a vital part of daily life, with homes featuring pools and water tanks where ornamental carp help clean pots and vegetables. The Riverside method, a unique water management practice, highlights the community's deep respect for nature and the careful balance of resources in this serene environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 The fish from the lake is usually sold or cooked for supper, but today it's being prepared for Funes sushi, a traditional dish.
• 😀 Funes sushi is believed to be how sushi first started, with salted and fermented crucian carp mixed with rice, a process that takes months.
• 😀 To make Funes sushi, the fish is salted and left for three months, then mixed with boiled rice to ferment for another six months.
• 😀 The key ingredients in the Japanese diet, rice and fish, are integral to the preparation of Funes sushi.
• 😀 The village of Sango, where this tradition is practiced, is located about two kilometers inland from the lake shore.
• 😀 Fresh water in Sango is sourced from bore holes and piped into homes, passing through a channel that sustains both the people and the environment.
• 😀 The channel passing through the village hosts a variety of creatures, including aquatic plants and species like the stickleback and brook lampreys.
• 😀 The water channel is part of a sustainable system that benefits both the environment and local villagers, sustaining life for people and wildlife alike.
• 😀 Homes in the village feature pools or water tanks that are partly inside, partly outside, which help with water management.
• 😀 The tanks are used for various tasks, including cleaning vegetables and pots, with ornamental carp doing the washing-up, playing a vital role in the community's water management system.

Q & A

What is the traditional process used to prepare Funes sushi?

The traditional process for preparing Funes sushi involves salting and fermenting crucian carp with rice. The fish is first salted and left for three months, then mixed with boiled rice to ferment for another six months. This process results in a sour-smelling dish that takes a long time to make.

How long does it take to make the traditional Funes sushi?

The process of making Funes sushi takes about nine months in total. The fish is salted for three months, and after mixing it with boiled rice, it ferments for another six months.

What is the significance of fish and rice in the Japanese diet?

Fish and rice are the key ingredients in the Japanese diet. They form the foundation of many traditional Japanese dishes, including Funes sushi, and are essential to the local cuisine.

Where does the story of the transcript take place?

The story takes place in a village located about two kilometers inland from the shore of a lake. The village uses water from boreholes, which is piped into the homes for various purposes.

What unique feature does the village's water system have?

The village's water system has a unique feature where each home is equipped with a built-in pool or water tank. The tanks are used for various tasks such as cleaning pots and rinsing vegetables. Fresh spring water is continually piped into the basins.

What is the Riverside method, and how is it used in the village?

The Riverside method is a traditional practice used throughout Japan. In this method, ornamental carp are kept in tanks to clean pots and vegetables. Afterward, the tank water, now cleaned by the carp, is returned to the village’s water channel.

What role do carp play in the village's water system?

Carp in the village play an important role in cleaning. They are not only ornamental but also help with washing pots and pans by scouring out grease and burnt food. This helps maintain the cleanliness of the village's water system.

What is the main environmental benefit of the Riverside method?

The environmental benefit of the Riverside method is that it promotes sustainable water usage. By utilizing carp to clean pots and vegetables, the method reduces the need for excessive cleaning chemicals and ensures the water remains clean for the village.

What type of aquatic life can be found in the village's water channel?

The water channel in the village is home to a variety of aquatic life, including small creatures like sticklebacks, which thrive in the clear water, and larger, more primitive creatures such as brook lampreys. These species coexist in the channel, contributing to the ecosystem.

What is the significance of the brook lamprey in the village's water ecosystem?

The brook lamprey is significant in the village's water ecosystem as it is a primitive, jawless fish that resembles an eel. Despite its unique appearance, it is an essential part of the aquatic life in the channel and contributes to the biodiversity of the area.