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Series | Letters from Kesennuma | December: Aboard the Latest Tuna Longliner, the Shohoku Maru No. 18 Gallery

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December 10, 2014

Series | Letters from Kesennuma | December: Aboard the Latest Tuna Longliner, the Shohoku Maru No. 18 Gallery

Sotaro Usui, president of Usufuku Honten, who made the bold decision to board this longline fishing vessel. While on board, he spoke about the current state of Japan's fishing industry and his thoughts on Kesennuma's recovery.

The approximately one-hour voyage took us to the entrance of Kesennuma Bay. Though the wind was cold, we gazed at the calm horizon, reflecting on four years past.

The Shinto altar, enshrined deep within the captain's quarters, where prayers for safe voyages and bountiful catches are offered daily.

Chief Captain Wataru Maekawa. A man of the sea, respected by all despite his gentle demeanor. The next day, he was a panelist in a discussion with Ken Watanabe.

Slowly departing the pier, we set sail.

President Usui is also actively involved in local "food education" projects for children. His attitude of embracing challenges and moving forward resonated with me.

The deck, usually off-limits to women on fishing vessels, was filled with smiles and camaraderie. For many women from Kesennuma, it was their first time seeing where their fathers or husbands worked.

Kesennuma Port miraculously suffered little damage during the earthquake and was able to resume operations early. This was supported by fishing boats nationwide that brought their catches to Kesennuma.

Behind Kesennuma Port lies a vast area leveled for tsunami mitigation. I keenly felt the difficulty of advancing the town's reconstruction while continuing the fishing industry.

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The dazzlingly white "Daijuho Maru." Although costs increased, the company deliberately commissioned a local Kesennuma shipyard. It boasts the comfort and safety of the latest equipment.

Expectations are high for this new vessel, the first new fishing boat built in Kesennuma in approximately 20 years.

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Series | Letters from Kesennuma | December: Aboard the "Daijuho Maru," Kesennuma's Newest Tuna Longliner - Gallery

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