2021年02月23日

Salmon & Illuminations, Asahikawa and Ishikarigawa at their best !

This is an introduction of Asahikawa and the hardworking “the salmon and his friends watching over it” society of the Ishikari River. The association's purpose is to grow healthy salmon to repopulate the waters. We will also write about the "Asahikawa light illuminations”. New illuminations appeared this year!


Asahikawa Salmon Association / Monitoring

The parking lot is provided by “Mr. M" to accommodate the attendees' private cars.
The meeting was at 9 am.

Image: Hama-chan

 

After an 10 minutes walk in snowshoes, our writer reached the site.

In November 2020, the association took up the role of the female salmons and first created an "artificial spawning bed" for the fish to lay their eggs and a "cradle" in which 20,000 eggs are buried.
Today is the time for the second monitoring of the year.

When coming from Asahikawa on your way to Toma-cho, turn left at Lawson and it was the first bridge between Toma-cho and Pippu-cho.


Our writer went here for the first time and could barely go to the site during the tour.
Warm clothes and warm, waterproof shoes are more than needed!

You can see the “Eienbashi bridge" in the back.

Image: Hama-chan

 

At the site, a pole indicates the spot where the larvae, hatched from around 300 eggs, are.
The larvae are placed in a colander to be monitored.

Around the cradle!

Image from the Asahikawa Salmon Association (Mr. Uenishi)

 

When we quietly opened the lid of the monitoring “colander" around the cradle, cute larvae were swimming around vigorously.
Spring water and the water of the Ishikari River are mix around here.

The cute little stars were surrounded by the sounds of many camera’s shutters.

Image: Hama-chan

 

Quietly, while checking the flow of water, the society returned to the "colander" and closed the lid. The monotoring finished, but the energy of those tiny "salmon" and everyone's way of taking take of them was impressive and wonderful.

The larvae are healthy thanks to everyone’s cares.

Image: The salmon association.

 

This is a commemorative photo.
The weather was nice and sunny, so it was a great experience.
In spring, a release party for the healthy salmons will be held under the Twin Harp Bridge on the Asahikawa Loop Line.

The fry who survived will go down the Ishikari River and some of them will leave for the Pacific Ocean.
It’s an epic adventure !
If you are interested, why don't you join them?

For inquiries an/or joined the association, go to "Asahikawa Salmon Association"
Contact information:
Terashima (☎0166-65-1940 E-mail: tera2112@potato.ne.jp)
Fukuchi (☎090-1303-9141)

Image from the Asahikawa Salmon Association

 

Asahikawa Light Illumination

Hama-chan

 

This year as well, the "Asahikawa light Illuminations" will be shining in the town with the word “Akari" (Light) in mind.

The photo represents the popular wave of 8 Jodoori (street name).
8 Jodori is really beautiful and great to take a stroll by.

This year, the hands sculpture are also illuminated, this is a first!
If you haven't seen it yet, please take a look.

Source: Hama-chan

 

It will be lit from November 28th to March 7th this year as well.

The meaning behind this year’s catchphrase and the new illuminations are gratitude and hope.
The gentle light of gratitude for the medical workers and the light of hope for everyone in these hard times.
Don’t forget to avoid the three Cs, wear a mask and wash your hands to enjoy the lights.

Source: Hama-chan

 

This is this year’s new illumination: the hand sculpture!
It looks like we’re in a dream world, isn’t it ?
When it snows, the snow will pile up in the palm of the hand giving of a magical vibe.
This really looks good on instagram !

Image: Hama-chan

 

The Greenway Illuminations will also guide you to the fantasy world.
The greenway is lit up every year, yet it’s always fascinating and can’t get enough of it!
After taking a stroll in the magical world, you may get cold. Some coffee shops are open nearby and waiting to prepare you a magical tea time.

Organizer: Asahikawa Town Akari Executive Committee & Asahikawa Tourism Convention Association
Address: 7-chome, 5 Jodori, Asahikawa City Asahikawa Food Terrace 2nd floor
Tel: 0166-23-0090
FAX: 0166-23-1166

Conclusion

Winter is long and we can’t for spring to come !
But for the time being, we can still enjoy winter and warm up our hearts with the gentle illuminations.

Translated from Hama-chan’s article.


この記事のキュレーター

Rin

Hello there!

I am in charge of translating in english some of asatan's articles.
I'm from France and I have been living in Hokkaido for 6 years.
Things I like : drawing, pokemon, online games,
Things I don't like : melon, lags, waking up in the morning