JAPAN, THE PARAMOUNT FISHING NATION.* 
BY HUGH M. SMITH. 
[ABSTRACT] 
When Fish Commissioner Bowers directed me to go to Japan 
to look into the fisheries and related industries, and thus con- 
ferred on me the honor of being the first American detailed for 
this service, I was already aware of the general importance of 
the fishing industry of that country and was well informed on 
some of its phases; but I was not prepared for the wonderful 
developments which I met with in all parts of Japan. Quickly 
dispelled were any lingering doubts | may have had as to 
whether I could learn anything of really practical application 
to the United States fisheries, and before I left I was firmly con- 
vineed that there is no country from which we and other western 
nations may learn more about fishing matters. 
My unfamiliarity with the language might have been a seri- 
ous drawback, but it really proved a blessing; for the Japanese 
government came to my relief in a most unlooked for and most 
generous manner. Experts of the Imperial Fisheries Bureau, 
some of whom I had already met in America, were detailed one 
after another to act as guides, companions and interpreters; and 
on my entire visit, during which I travelled 5,000 miles within 
the country, | was accompanied by officials well acquainted with 
the different regions and their fisheries. Furthermore, in every 
province where fisheries were to be inspected the local govern- 
ment received orders from Tokyo to make advance arrangements 
for the foreigner’s coming, and to detail an assistant in the fish- 
ery department to remain with the party as long as it was in that 
particular province. 
In asserting that Japan is the leading fishing nation, I am 
aware that its fisheries are exceeded in value by those of two or 
three other countries, but Japan is pre-eminent— 
1. In the actual number of people making a livelihood by 
fishing. 
2. In the relative numbers of persons engaged compared 
with the total population. 
* This article, with accompanying illustrations, is published by permission of Hon. Geo. M. 
Bowers, U. S. Commissioner of Fisheries. 
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