【Resort Atami】Atami City Elementary School Students Learn About Underutilized Fish in 'Fisherman's Academy ~ Summer Vacation Research' Special Event

Local fishmongers teach Atami City elementary school students about underutilized fish

At the resort 'Resort Atami,' where you can enjoy a stay surrounded by the sky, sea, and forest, a special event 'Fisherman's Academy ~ Summer Vacation Research' was held on July 13, 2026, to learn about the future of the sea through underutilized fish. The event welcomed 22 third-grade students from Atami Municipal Second Elementary School (hereinafter referred to as Second Elementary School). A local fishmonger, who is working to reduce the disposal of underutilized fish (Note 1), gave a lecture on fish landed in Atami. Afterwards, the students observed and tasted lunch preparation at the hotel restaurant, tailored to the characteristics of underutilized fish. The children summarized their insights on a worksheet and learned about the methods of utilizing underutilized fish and the future of the sea.

Note 1: Fish that are not utilized due to reasons such as 'uneven size,' 'low catch volume,' and 'easy to spoil.'

Background of the Event

Resort Atami is located in Shizuoka Prefecture, which has developed diverse and characteristic fisheries due to its favorable topography and marine conditions, such as the influence of the Kuroshio Current flowing offshore and rivers originating from abundant forests (Note 2). On the other hand, due to the diversity of fish species, sizes, and fishing methods, there is also an aspect that 'underutilized fish,' which do not meet the standards of the distribution market and are not fully utilized, are generated. Recently, it has been estimated that about 30-35% of the fish caught worldwide are discarded without being fully utilized (Note 3), which is one of the global fisheries issues. Facing a similar situation in the vicinity of Atami, Resort Atami has focused on the activities of local fishermen and fishmongers working to reduce the disposal of underutilized fish since 2024, and has been developing 'Fisherman's Academy ~ Summer Vacation Research' in collaboration with the region to think about the future of the sea. Although it is usually a program limited to guests, this time, a special event was held to provide an opportunity for local elementary school students, who will carry the future, to experience part of the program, with the hope of providing them with knowledge about underutilized fish.

Note 2: Shizuoka Prefectural Fisheries Cooperative Association Federation Homepage 'Overview of Shizuoka Fisheries'

Note 3: FAO 'The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture' (2020) 'Utilization and Processing of Fish' English version

Event Content

Lecture by Local Fishmonger

Scene of the lecture on that day

On that day, 22 third-grade students from Second Elementary School participated. At the Atami Fish Market, where auctions are usually held, the representative Uda Katsuji and hotel staff gave a session-style lecture on underutilized fish. After learning about the factors that cause the problem of underutilized fish, the students observed the actual process of filleting the fish and checked their shape, texture, and smell. One of the points Uda emphasized in the lecture was the phrase 'There is no such thing as a fish called underutilized fish.' Despite being called 'underutilized fish' due to distribution reasons, each fish has suitable cooking methods and deliciousness. The children listened to this with serious expressions.

Demonstration of Lunch Preparation

Hotel staff demonstrate lunch plate preparation using underutilized fish with the children

After moving from the Atami Fish Market to the buffet restaurant 'Studio Buffet Mogumogu' at Resort Atami, the hotel staff demonstrated lunch preparation using underutilized fish. With the help of some of the children, they completed a lunch plate including hamburgers and fries made with underutilized fish. When the staff asked the children about the cooking methods that utilize the characteristics of underutilized fish learned at the Atami Fish Market, they actively responded.

Review Using Worksheets

Scene of writing on the worksheet Summarizing the learning about underutilized fish

After tasting the lunch made with underutilized fish, the children used a worksheet to summarize what they had learned at the event. While recalling Mr. Uda's talk at the Atami Fish Market and the learning up to the lunch preparation, it became an opportunity to deepen their interest in what kind of problems are occurring in the sea near Atami, which is a familiar existence.

<Comments from Participants>

Comments from the participating elementary school students included, 'I went to the Atami Fish Market for the first time and was surprised to find fish I had never known before,' 'I felt sorry for the fish that were thrown away,' 'I was nervous about eating a fish full of bones, but it was very delicious when minced,' and 'I would like to research if there are any ways to eat the fish that are thrown away.'

<Comments from Participating Teachers>

Third-grade homeroom teacher at Second Elementary School, Yukitaro Ogawa

Through this special event, I believe the children were able to gain learning that they could not acquire in the classroom. By visiting the Atami Fish Market, they learned about the existence of 'underutilized fish' that are not lined up in supermarkets and had the experience of using their five senses, such as smelling and touching. Atami is a land blessed with abundant resources, but there are also social issues such as underutilized fish. I hope that through such learning opportunities, children will come to know the importance of food and the sea.

<Comments from Planning Staff>

Resort Atami Staff, Moemi Takahashi

Through the lectures at the Atami Fish Market and the lunch preparation, the children's own learning process was impressive. Starting from knowing the existence of the fish market and underutilized fish, they also gained insights into the part that we did not put into words, 'Even underutilized fish can be delicious if you make an effort.' Through participating in this special event, I hope that the existence of 'underutilized fish' that also occurs in the vicinity of Atami will be felt more closely, and it will become an opportunity to think about protecting the richness of the sea.

[Reference] 'Fisherman's Academy ~ Summer Vacation Research'

Fishery Experience Image Underutilized Fish Chart

From July 20 to August 31, 2026, every Monday and Thursday, Resort Atami will hold 'Fisherman's Academy ~ Summer Vacation Research,' a program to learn about the future of the sea through the work of fishermen and underutilized fish. This year, you will directly learn various utilization methods of fish landed in Atami from a fishmonger who is working to reduce the disposal of underutilized fish. Under the cooperation of local fishermen and fishmongers, you will experience fishing and unloading work, and enjoy the deliciousness of underutilized fish with the optimal cooking method that suits their characteristics. Finally, you will summarize what you have learned on a worksheet and complete your free research program.

Details: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001966.000033064.html

Resort Atami

Resort Atami with an atrium space expressing Sagami Bay

Standing on a hill with a panoramic view of Sagami Bay, this resort hotel offers an ocean view from all rooms, allowing you to enjoy a stay surrounded by the sky, sea, and forest, as well as a private fireworks display. In addition to abundant activities, you can also enjoy a stay to your heart's content with 'Sorano Beach Books&Cafe,' which is paved with white sand, 'Mori no Kuuchu Kichi Kusukusu,' where a 300-year-old camphor tree resides, and hot springs where you can soak in the scenery.

Address: 2-13-1 Mizuuchi-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0016

Phone: 050-3134-8093 (Resort Atami Reservation Center)

Number of Rooms: 81 rooms (11 types)

Price: From 24,000 yen per night (~ per person when using one room for two people