Man moves to birthplace of Japan's 'matagi' hunters to carry on tradition
KITAAKITA, Akita -- Drawn by the traditions of Japan's "matagi" hunters, a 33-year-old man has moved to the mountainous region in this northern Japan
A 33-year-old man named Kentaro Okamoto has relocated to the Ani district in Kitaakita, northern Japan, in pursuit of preserving the traditional matagi hunting culture and aiding the community’s revitalization amid depopulation. The Ani district, nestled in the heart of Akita Prefecture, is revered as the birthplace of matagi hunting, a practice deeply rooted in reverence for the mountains as divine gifts.
Okamoto, drawn to the matagi way of life after encountering a book on the subject, moved from Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, to Kitaakita in 2022. There, he found guidance from a local matagi master, Kichitaro Matsuhashi, who taught him the intricacies of the tradition. Okamoto’s move reflects a growing trend of young people seeking to safeguard the Ani district’s heritage as the region grapples with a declining population.
The 2025 national census revealed a 8.1% population decrease in Akita Prefecture, the steepest on record, underscoring the urgent need for innovative solutions to sustain the community. Okamoto is spearheading an aquaculture project aimed at raising fish species like char and yamame trout, with the energy required supplied from woody biomass power generation sourced from locally thinned timber.
Through his endeavors, Okamoto envisions a future where the rich matagi culture thrives, fostering a sustainable and vibrant community.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
