Scenery of MinamiiseTown where the environment has been the most protected Yoshimasa Ito (Interview on the 70th anniversary of Ise-Shima National Park designation)

Interview “What I feel is the charm of Ise-Shima National Park”
Ise-Shima National Park is home to the ocean, the forest of the Jingu Shrine, and the rich lives of the people who are rooted in these areas. We talked about these various attractions from various angles.

This time, we will be speaking with Yoshimasa Ito, executive director of the Yokoyama Visitor Center (Ise-Shima National Park Nature Contact Promotion Council).

(Article cooperation: Ise Shimbun)

■Communicate the nature and culture of Ise-Shima

The Yokoyama Visitor Center was opened in 1999 as a museum exhibition facility run by the Ministry of the Environment. We exhibit and introduce an overview of Ise-Shima National Park, including the nature, industry, and culture of Ise-Shima. We hold programs such as nature observation sessions about 20 times a year, and visit local elementary schools and kindergartens to give classes.

More than 30 local people are registered as park volunteers within the national park, and they use their expertise in areas such as birds, plants, and insects to provide explanations at observation sessions and other events.

■There are still many places that even locals don't know about.

96% of Ise-Shima is privately owned land, and there is a history of close contact between nature and people, including the ama culture, fishing, and other industries. However, the people who live here don't really feel like they live in Ise-Shima National Park. I guess that's an issue. I used to be like that too, and there are still many places that even locals don't know about. I would like local people to learn about Ise-Shima and become salespeople.

■The original scenery is the sea of Shima Town

I was born in Wagu, Shima Town (currently ShimaCity Shima City). My mother is an ama diver and has been an ama diver for over 60 years. In the past, I used to accompany my mother to Oshima many times, and during summer vacation, we would swim in the sea right in front of us from around 9pm to around 4pm every day.

The area off the coast of Wagu is extremely rich in resources and is still an excellent fishing ground. When I was in charge of fisheries at Shima Town Hall, there was a diving survey, and one of the divers said, ``I've never seen such an abundance of fish.''

■My favorite is the scenery of MinamiiseTown

I like MinamiiseTown in Ise-Shima National Park. Many of the park volunteers also like MinamiiseTown.

The topography of the area makes it seem like it doesn't attract people, and it is the area with the most environmental protection in the Ise-Shima region. The original landscape, or rather the original landscape, remains, which is what I find most interesting. I was walking through UguraPark the other day, and I was soothed by the natural beauty that was left as it was.

Yoshimasa Ito, Executive Director of Yokoyama Visitor Center (Ise-Shima National Park Nature Contact Promotion Council)
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Born in Wagu, Shima Town (currently ShimaCity Shima City). Worked at Shima Town Hall in 1981. After the merger, he became an employee ShimaCity, and served as director of the Tomoyama Park Office before retiring in 2009. Current position since 2010.

*This article is reprinted from the Ise Shimbun company's special issue on the 70th anniversary of the designation of Ise-Shima National Park.

Click here for other articles related to the 70th anniversary of Ise-Shima National Park designation.

・Takahisa Ezaki, an eco-tourist who conveys the wonders of primary industry

・The activities of the shrine and the forest of the shrine are the original scenery of Japan that has continued since ancient times. Haruo Nakano

・Experience the “extraordinary life” of Ise-Shima through ecotourism Shun Shigeno

・Please come to Ise-Shima, where the summit will be held!

・Ise-Shima National Park Ecotourism/Nature Experience Tourist Map

*The content posted is information as of November 2016.