Section 1.1: The Hidden Gem of Hokkaido

Where is Sarufutsu, you might wonder? The only flight connecting Haneda to Wakkanai, the northernmost airport in Japan, operates just once daily. Its remote location is so close to the Russian island of Sakhalin that it’s conceivable for someone to swim across the Sea of Okhotsk, as demonstrated by a defector in 2021.

Driving for an hour from Wakkanai leads you to a fisher's village devoid of trains, shopping malls, or eateries. Here, with a population of 2,700, you might question how residents spend their time.

This is Sarufutsu Village, now recognized as Japan's wealthiest community.

Subsection 1.1.1: A Surprising Economic Success

Sarufutsu boasts the sixth highest average income among Japan's 1,741 municipalities, with local fishers earning an annual average of ¥7,317,405 (approximately $49,108 USD).

Other notable municipalities with high income levels include:

• Minato Ward, Tokyo: ¥14,713,763
• Suooshima, Yamaguchi: ¥11,769,535
• Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo: ¥10,767,674

The average earnings here surpass those of young Americans, who earn about $38,324 USD annually, and even exceed the average income of Japanese citizens, which is ¥4,030,000 ($27,043 USD).

Ironically, Sarufutsu was once a subject of ridicule for its poverty. In the postwar era, it was said, "If you want to see poor people, go to Sarufutsu," reflecting the struggles of villagers who overfished scallops and faced job losses in coal mines.

However, by 1975, the average income had plummeted to ¥12,662,231, a stark contrast to its current status.

Section 1.2: Transformation and Wealth

Section 2.1: A Unique Business Model

Sarufutsu's fisheries operate on a distinct business model. In 1970, the village's fisher cooperative shifted from traditional wild-catch fishing to modern aquaculture, treating the ocean like farmland.

By segmenting waters into four plots, they would release baby scallops to grow over several years before harvesting. This cooperative approach eliminated competition among fishermen, allowing for shared profits and benefits.

A typical deckhand earns ¥400,000 ($2,698) monthly, with additional bonuses distributed based on years of service. Even those who retire at 60 continue to receive dividends until the age of 78.

Section 2.2: The Impact of Global Markets

The second video, "Japanese Fishermen Use Robots To Catch And Process Billions Of Squid And Tuna," showcases the innovative techniques that contribute to their success.

Sarufutsu’s fortunes soared in the 2010s as demand for scallops surged in China, leading to an exponential increase in seafood exports. However, the recent ban on Japanese seafood due to the Fukushima wastewater release has dealt a significant blow, with exports dropping by 39%.

Younger fishers are now adjusting their financial strategies, with some investing in stocks or cryptocurrencies to manage their wealth.

In conclusion, Sarufutsu Village exemplifies how a remote community can transform itself into a beacon of wealth through innovative practices and cooperation.