Journeys in Japan

Kochi Shimanto River: Pristine Water and Premium Fishing (16x23)

Air date: Oct 28, 2025

The Shimanto River flows for 196 kilometers through Kochi Prefecture in the south of Shikoku. It is known for its crystal-clear water, which nourishes the fish and other river creatures while nurturing the people who live along its banks. Ken Blaxley has come to meet the local people, explore the area and try his hand at fishing in the untouched upper reaches of this river. He is shown a traditional approach for catching freshwater eels. He learns the tomozuri live-decoy fishing technique for ayu (sweetfish). And he takes on the challenge of fly-fishing for amago salmon, known as the "queen of the mountain streams." On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Ken discovers the way in which the local people try to live in harmony with the natural environment along length of the Shimanto River.