Police Respond to Major Dispute Over Fishing Access in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture
Reporting on the scene of a major disturbance, a swampy commotion broke out over garbage, noise, and a strange odor.
Big trouble in the celebrity town
It was supposed to be “rich people don’t fight”.
A major trouble has erupted in Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, one of Japan’s top celebrity towns, where the police have been dispatched. Residents are in intense conflict over the trial opening of the eastern side of the South Seawall along the artificial island of Ashiya, which has been opened for fishermen. A resident from the opposing side, who lives near the South Seawall, is furious.
“I moved to this town around 2012. I was drawn to the location with a view of the sea, but instead of enjoying the ocean view, the coast has been opened to fishermen, creating a lawless area. In the summer, fishermen swarm in around 4 AM, parking on the street. The garbage they leave on the beach creates a terrible stench. At night, there are people singing loudly and setting off fireworks.
The only peaceful time was from November 2018, when construction began and the seawall was off-limits, for a few years. However, in October 2022, when the eastern side of the South Seawall was opened to fishermen, people began gathering several hours before the 8 AM opening, and garbage started to be discarded again. We established the ‘South Seawall Environmental Countermeasure Committee’ through the neighborhood association, and put up signs to promote manners, but I haven’t heard of any improvements in the behavior of all the fishermen.”
The commotion became even more serious.
When a FRIDAY reporter visited the South Seawall, there were signs everywhere asking people to take their trash home and to refrain from making loud noises. The situation has escalated since February 2023, when Hyogo Prefecture requested the opening of the western side of the South Seawall.
“Some residents who have spoken out against the opening have had paint thrown on their cars. Others have been victims of stone-throwing. I felt unsafe myself and reported it to the police,” said one resident.
On the other hand, Tomoko Takaoka, a city council member in Ashiya who supports the opening, argues, “Some people have moved here specifically because they want to fish.”
“It is a problem that the opinions of fishermen are being ignored. Compared to before, the amount of garbage has decreased. Fishermen are cleaning up with deck brushes before they leave. Completely banning fishing at the South Seawall would be excessive. I think this conflict between residents tarnishes Ashiya’s history.”
According to the Urban Construction Department of Ashiya City Hall, there have been over 100 cases of illegal entry to the South Seawall this year. It seems that peace in this celebrity neighborhood is still a long way off.
From the September 27 and October 4, 2024 combined issue of FRIDAY
PHOTO： Kei Kato
