The Use of Forests in a Rural Area for Dried Bonito Production: A Case Study of the Nansatsu Area, Kagoshima Prefecture

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  • かつお節製造にみる里山林利用――鹿児島県南薩地区を事例として――
  • かつお節製造における里山林利用--鹿児島県南薩地区を事例として
  • カツオブシ セイゾウ ニ オケル サトヤマリン リヨウ カゴシマケン ナンサツ チク オ ジレイ ト シテ

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Abstract

<p>As of late, the Japanese forestry industry is experiencing some serious problems. For instance, wood for use in building materials is often sold at well below its actual value. Thus, workers who have left for more lucrative industries are leaving behind poorly maintained forests. Additionally, we are seeing a decrease in the number of farmers who utilize forests in rural areas for energy and other needs. These scenarios have prompted some researchers and concerned citizens to insist on preserving the ecology of rural forests. However, in light of this dark situation, firewood is still produced from broadleaf trees by the people of Nansatsu area, Kagoshima prefecture. Makurazaki and Yamakawa, where dried bonito (katsuo-bushi) is produced, are situated in this area.</p><p>Firewood made of broadleaf trees is used as fuel to “dry and smoke” bonito in the process of producing katsuo-bushi. Firewood is necessary for the stable production of dried bonito. People in the Nansatsu area have adjusted themselves to their environment, and have made the most of bonito as marine bio-resources and firewood as forest resources. However, little is known about the realities of people who are engaged in deforestation and the scale and structure of firewood supply to dried bonito factories.</p><p>In this study I would like to show the significance of “dry and smoke” in the production of dried bonito, and clarify the realities of deforestation for firewood and its supply through woodcutters working in the Nansatsu area. As a result of the comprehensive research, it was found that the production of dried bonito and the use of forests in the rural area are closely related. Consequently, further research on the use of forests in rural areas that, until now, primarily viewed the relationship between agriculture and forests as central, must also take into account a similar relationship that exists between the fishery industry and forests.</p>

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