300 years ago, Tokyo used to be called Edo. At that time the Tokyo Bay was bountiful with large volumes and varieties of fish that could easily be caught off the shores.
Around that time, the citizens of Edo discovered a new delicacy later known as sushi where fresh fish was dipped in vinegar and placed on top of vinegar rice. This was the beginning or invention of sushi which today has become popular throughout the world. Sushi, which is also known as Edomae sushi, was the fast food of the Edo era.
From the 1960's due to land reclamation projects in the Tokyo Bay, much of the tidal wetlands disappeared. Tokyo Bay also became polluted by oil spills and the disposal of industrial waste. The fish from the Tokyo Bay were disliked because of their polluted smell and Edomae sushi became extinct, since most fish were imported.
However, thanks to the strict regulations on water quality, and with the development of an underground sewage system, Tokyo Bay has become clean once again, the fish have returned, and the Edomae sushi has been revived.
In this manner, the sea has provided an indispensable supply of food to the Japanese people. The Japanese have lived in coexistence with the sea, but unfortunately the Japanese have not been sufficiently aware of the importance of maintaining the quality of water. In the future, waterfront and harbor development projects must take into due account the preservation of water quality and the environment.
