Rina Yamaji

Rina Yamaji is a Master’s student at the School of Marine Studies at Tokai University, Japan, under Professor Yinji Li’s guidance. She completed her undergraduate studies at the same university. She has been interested in the Umigyo concept and initiatives, conducting related research in Ainan Town, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. Although Japan's small-scale fisheries have essential functions to ensure fisheries sustainability, they face issues, including a lack of successors, an aging population, unstable household income, and a decline in local vitality. She views Umigyo as an effective and indispensable means of responding to existing and new challenges. Ainan Town, Ehime Prefecture, has been selected as a model site for Umigyo promotion. Her Master’s thesis proposes a better way for Umigyo in the Ainan area toward the viability of the fishing community.