Fishing as a Language of Longing: A Cross-Cultural Story between Indonesia and Japan
By : Ali Syarief
Far away from their homeland, people always find ways to maintain a connection with their roots. For many Indonesians working in Japan, life in the Land of the Rising Sun is not only about work, discipline, and building a better future. There is another invisible aspect of their journey: the longing for home.
That longing is not always expressed through words. Sometimes it appears through cooking Indonesian food together, speaking their mother tongue, listening to songs from home, or simply gathering with fellow Indonesians during their days off.
One of the traditions that has grown among the Indonesian community in Japan is fishing together. They go to rivers, lakes, or the sea, bringing fishing equipment, simple food, and stories about their lives. From the outside, it may look like an ordinary hobby of catching fish. But in reality, fishing is only a medium.
What they are truly searching for is happiness.
In the midst of busy working lives and the challenges of adapting to a new culture, moments like these become a space to laugh, share stories, remember their homeland, and feel that they are not alone. The rivers and seas of Japan become small places where they can recreate the warmth of gathering in their own hometowns.
This unique habit eventually attracted the attention of local Japanese residents. At first, they were curious. Why did Indonesians enjoy fishing together so much? Why could such a simple activity create such a strong sense of joy?
When they began to join these gatherings, they discovered a deeper meaning. Fishing was not the main purpose. The most important thing was the human connection created through the activity.
In Japanese culture, togetherness is also highly valued, although it is often expressed in different ways. Japanese society is known for its discipline and busy lifestyle, and sometimes finding time to gather with family or friends becomes increasingly precious. Through interaction with Indonesians, some Japanese people rediscovered the joy of a simple activity: sitting together, talking, laughing, and enjoying time without pressure.
Today, this tradition of fishing together has also been embraced by some Japanese people, whether with their families or friends. They are not merely adopting the activity itself, but also absorbing the values behind it: that happiness does not always come from something big or expensive.
From a cross-cultural perspective, this is an example of how culture spreads not through formal lessons or theories, but through everyday experiences. A small tradition from an Indonesian migrant community has become a bridge connecting two societies.
Indonesia brings the warmth of togetherness. Japan offers a culture of discipline and appreciation for nature. When these two values meet beside a river or along the coast, a new form of relationship emerges: friendship beyond national borders.
In the end, the fish caught may not be the most important thing. The happiness, friendship, and sense of belonging created through the experience are far more valuable.
Because often, when people are far away from home, what they miss the most is not simply the place itself, but the feeling of being welcomed, being connected, and being happy as part of a larger human family.
