School children in central Japan give traditional eel fishing a try

Elementary school children on central Japan's Izu Peninsula have tried their hand at traditional eel fishing in their community. Inazusa Elementary School in Shizuoka Prefecture's Shimoda City allows its students to try eel fishing every year to deepen their interest in their natural surroundings and local culture.

Local volunteers help the students. Six fourth graders took part this year. On Tuesday, they learned how to catch eels with bamboo traps that are called "mojiri."  One of the volunteers said the children have a strong desire to protect their river. He said he will be happy if the children continue to fish in the traditional way in the future.