72 Seasons

When winter comes, the salmon that grew up in the sea go at once to the rivers to spawn. The sight of the salmon returning home is a seasonal reminder of winter in northern regions, and in ancient times, it was considered a mystical event. For example, in regions of Yamagata and Iwate prefectures, Osuke, king of the salmon, would lead his followers, chanting "Osuke, Kosuke, time to spawn." Once that day passed, the salmon would be seen swimming up the streams en masse.


©Utsukushii Kurashikata Institute