Indonesian crew member helps keep crab fishing industry afloat in Japan's Fukui Pref.

ECHIZEN, Fukui -- A 19-year-old Indonesian man, Kgs M Irvan, is making waves in the crab fishing industry in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. Despite a severe labor shortage, Irvan is helping sustain the industry that relies heavily on foreign crew members. The Echizen Town Japan Fisheries Cooperative, where Irvan works, has 43 registered bottom-trawl vessels, with 38 employing foreign crew members.

Of those foreign workers, 70 are Indonesians, who come to Japan under various programs like Specified Skilled Worker or technical intern training.

Fishing in Echizen is a cherished winter delicacy, and Irvan embraces the opportunity to work in this industry. He says, "I want to keep working here," fully immersing himself in life on the Sea of Japan. With life at sea often fraught with danger, Irvan remains unfazed by the freezing conditions. He explains that field jobs in Indonesia are even tougher and pay is low. Irvan is also a devoted son, sending more than half of his salary to his family every month.

As a young man new to fishing, Irvan studied motorcycle repair at a vocational school in Indonesia before coming to Japan. He learned skills such as repairing nets for three months in his home country. Initially, everything was challenging, but now he enjoys winding the reels and lining up the fish. Captain Hirotsugu Yamashita of the Kansho Maru praises Irvan's dedication and quiet work ethic. He believes that Irvan will take on even more significant responsibilities in the future.

The growing number of Indonesian workers in the area has led to a local community forming. During his days off, Irvan plays Indonesian games at friends' houses and sometimes travels together. He rarely feels lonely in a foreign country. Experienced residents provide practical advice on daily life in Japan, such as sorting and disposing of garbage correctly.

The increase in foreign workers is attributed to the technical intern program and demographic changes. Fishing has traditionally been a family business, and the cooperatives want to keep long-established boats operating. With Japanese workers, there's no guarantee they'll remain for the three-year residency period. Yamashita also notes that brother crews are becoming increasingly rare among Japanese fishers, but now, two Indonesian brothers serve side by side on the Kansho Maru.

The care shown by those accepting foreign workers also helps bring in the next crew members. Yamashita emphasizes the need to stop assuming everything should be done the Japanese way, as this applies not only to issues involving foreigners. He stresses the importance of being more open-minded to thrive in the future, especially in a town with a shrinking population that may be at the forefront of the times.