A Sustainability Guide

By Orie Iwasaki

Local in Toba

Toba City in Mie Prefecture is blessed with abundant marine resources provided by its intricate ria coastline. Here, the concept of "sustainability"—a goal modern society is only now striving to define—has been woven into daily life and spiritual beliefs for over 2,000 years. Centered around two pillars—the Ise Jingu Grand Shrine (the spiritual home of the Japanese people) and the Ama (traditional skin divers), we explore the circular systems that have sustained Toba for millennia.

Ise Jingu’s "Tokowaka" and the Cycle of Resources

The presence of the neighboring Ise Jingu is essential when discussing Toba’s environmental conservation and culture. Since the 7th century, the shrine has practiced Shikinen Sengu—the ritual of rebuilding the shrine and transferring the deity to a new sanctuary every 20 years. Shinto philosophy embraces the concept of "Tokowaka" (Eternal Youth), which maintains that buildings, clothing, and offerings should always be kept fresh and pure. By treating the deities as living beings and periodically renewing their surroundings, Toba has preserved architectural techniques and traditional crafts for two millennia.

This reconstruction is also a highly rational, eco-friendly system. The cypress wood from the dismantled old shrines is not wasted; it is donated to other locations within the Grand Shrine or to shrines across Japan to be repurposed as torii gates or structural components. Furthermore, to provide timber for future generations, Ise Jingu manages 5,500 hectares of sanctuary forests. This vast woodland filters the water that flows into the sea, enriching the entire Ise-Shima ecosystem.

The Bond of Abalone: Linking Ama Culture to the Divine

The Ama of Toba are more than just fishers; they are guardians of a sacred tradition. Since ancient times, they have provided abalone—one of the most important offerings to the deities of Ise Jingu. In the Kuzaki district, the production of Noshi Awabi (ceremonial dried abalone) has continued for 2,000 years. The profound responsibility of never letting the divine offerings run dry serves as the spiritual foundation for Toba’s marine resource management.

The Ama fishing method itself is a model of sustainability. These women rely solely on their own breath, eschewing oxygen tanks to dive deep into the sea. By intentionally limiting human capability, they ensure the ocean is never overfished. Local Ama communities strictly enforce their own rules, such as returning undersized abalone to the sea and observing no-fishing periods during spawning seasons. This spirit of coexistence—viewing the sea as a place borrowed from future generations—has allowed this practice to thrive for centuries.

Modern Challenges and Scientific Innovation

Despite these traditions, Toba faces serious environmental shifts. Rising sea temperatures and "sea desertification" (isoyake) caused by the loss of seaweed have led to a sharp decline in abalone numbers, making the preservation of this culture a significant challenge.

In response, Toba City has integrated scientific conservation into its traditional practices. A prime example is the creation of the "Toba City Red Data Book"—a rare initiative for a local municipality. This comprehensive record tracks Toba’s diverse ecosystem, identifying endangered species and critical habitats to guide both the government and citizens in protecting biodiversity. By combining ancient wisdom with data-driven foresight, Toba is taking a sincere, modern stance to safeguard its future.

Fostering a Sustainable Future Together

The commitment to sustainability extends beyond the shrines and the Ama to the entire local business community. Through the "Sustainable Toba" platform, hotels, restaurants, and tour operators are launching their own initiatives. These include rigorous local sourcing to reduce CO2 emissions, eliminating single-use plastics to protect the ocean, and sharing cultural values through Ama hut experiences.

For visitors, enjoying the local cuisine and staying in Toba’s accommodations means becoming part of a 2,000-year-old cycle. The way of life here—revering the divine, loving the sea, and sharing collective wisdom—offers vital clues for our global future. Through the "Tokowaka" spirit of Ise Jingu, the "Coexistence" of the Ama, and modern "Scientific" conservation, the landscapes of Toba are being preserved for the next generation.