Connecting Brittany, France, and Tango, Kyoto: An International Exchange Project on Ocean Wisdom (Part 2)
Day 2: Connecting with the Ocean’s Livelihood in Tango
June 16, 2025
After a day immersed in beautiful landscapes, the second day of the French-Japanese exchange program highlight was made on the sea. Through immersive, hands-on workshops and mutual exchanges in Kyoto Marine High School, the students from Lycée Public Maritime du Guilvinec dived into the region’s marine industry, discovering its challenges, innovations, and the strong human bonds it creates.
Hondo Fishery: Learning by Doing
The morning began at Hondo Fishery, a family-run operation known for its sustainable fishing practices and dedication to passing on local knowledge to younger generations. The group was welcomed by Mr. Hondo and his son, who are known as the two youngest fishermen in the Tango region.
To make the experience more personal and immersive, the students were split into two groups. One group boarded a fishing boat for a sea ride in Miyazu bay while listening to Mr. Hondo’s explanations about life at sea, maritime safety, dealing with the coast guard and how the daily rhythm of fishing is shaped by tides, seasons, and respect for nature. Feeling the sea breeze and being out on the water gave students a refreshing appreciation of the bay with its fauna and flora.
Meanwhile, the second group remained onshore and joined Mr. Hondo’s son for a hands-on workshop: sorting young clams. Carefully handling the delicate shellfish and removing stones, the students learned how sustainability starts with small, precise gestures and a deep knowledge of the ocean. The task highlighted not only the patience required but also the attention to marine health and resource preservation. They also learned a lot, from the average fisherman age growing each year with no young fishermen pursuing this activity, to the day in the life of a fisherman.
Later, the two groups switched roles so everyone could enjoy both parts of the experience. At the end of the visit, each student was surprised with a small gift: a packet of handmade salt, crafted by the Hondo family, a reminder of the sea’s value and the care it takes to protect it.
Marine Research in Action
Before lunch, the group headed to the Kyoto Prefectural Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Technology Center Marine Center, a key facility dedicated to the study and protection of the marine environment.
There, students attended a presentation focused on the local maritime ecosystem, with special attention given to snow crabs, a species central to the region’s fishing culture. The talk offered insights into habitat conditions, population management, differences between hard and soft ones, seasons to fish, and the challenges of maintaining sustainable harvests in a changing climate.
After the presentation, the group visited the Heianmaru Miyazu, a coastal patrolling and research vessel, which plays an important role in monitoring the Sea of Japan. Stepping on board gave students a sense of the tools and technology used to study the ocean and enforce responsible practices. The inside of the boat visit was conducted without shoes as a japanese house, this information really surprised the students.
International Exchange at Kyoto Marine High School
In the afternoon, the students visited Kyoto Prefectural Marine High School in Miyazu, where the spirit of friendship and mutual learning came to life. Lunch was more than a meal, it was a symbol of Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) and creativity. The Japanese students had crafted a special ramen menu just for their guests, blending classic flavors with local ingredients. It was a mix between bouillabaisse and ramen, the perfect blend between France and Japan. French students were delighted by the thoughtfulness and surprised by the complexity of flavors linked to the sea. The meal sparked friendly discussions as Japanese and French students were blended to exchange, present themselves, and even take a few chopstick lessons.
Inside the school, a student-led presentation gave insights into each school’s educational focus, with discussions about their future marine careers, fishing techniques and even environmental challenges common to both regions. It was a moment of connection where academic exchange met real human curiosity.
The French students were also invited to join the school’s cutter boat club for a unique experience on the water. Paired with Japanese students, they paddled across the bay, quickly building camaraderie despite the language barrier. It was hard to synchronize everybody but after practice they managed to form a great team with Japanese students.
Before leaving, students and professors from both sides exchanged presents to highlight the link between these two schools and future other exchanges and French students received their names written in Chinese characters written by Japanese students alongside Amanohashidate candies.
A Day of Discovery and Friendship
At the end of the day, students looked back on a day filled with meaningful discoveries: not just about marine industries, but about each other. From clams and cutter boats to snow crabs and school presentations, every moment was another stitch in the tapestry of cultural understanding. This day reminded everyone that while the ocean separates lands, it also connects them through food, livelihood, and shared responsibility.
Writer: Mathieu Fonseca
Thanks to: ROOTS, Lycée Public Maritime du Guilvinec, Mrs. Hayakawa (coordinator and interpreter)
Special thanks to sponsors: Fondation franco-japonaise Sasakawa (日仏笹川財団), la caisse des péris en mer, Hénaff, Penmarch city, Loctudy city
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