For The Love Of Nature

Submission to The Hawaii Fishing News. ©2009 Clifton M. Hasegawa. “For The Love of

Nature:

FOR THE LOVE OF NATURE

Respect the bounty of the Ocean Preserve the image and the story

Take what you need, leave the rest for future generations

Gyotaku can be traced back in Japan as early as 1862. Gyo [ fish ] and taku [ print ]

was perfected as a way for fisherman to record the specie and size of their catches. The

catch was then prepared for their meal time. Gyotaku used sumi ink [ an ink made from

soot and water ] and rice paper [ a paper made from water and plant fibers] as its

medium. The catch was the subject. The gyotaku place in a special part of the home.

The excitement of landing the catch of the day and the enjoyment of the meal became the

story that was remembered and shared when the gyotaku came into view.

Gyotaku by Naoki is very special as it has its roots in early Japan and has evolved into his

own art form from his love of nature – observing, feeling, and being part of nature.

We are but specs in this planet. When I go out to the deep blue,

taken a plunge with only a wetsuit, fins, and facemask. The land is

behind me, the heavens are above me, when I look down there is

only the deep blue. I am alone. I have stripped my connection to

whatever we have created. When my senses awake my

insignificance is apparent. I am connected to the world – all of the

connecting Oceans and the communities that live off the shores of

these Oceans. Here I feel the definite presence of Nature and its

ambient environment. I have been granted permission.


Nature:

I respect the raw power and the soothing presence of Nature.

Nature is overwhelming. There is no more to explain.

[Naoki was self-taught by Nature. Nature is his classroom.]

Naoki was born in Kyoto, Japan. Kyoto was the capital of Japan for more than a

millennium from 794 to 1868. Even with the movement of the capital to Tokyo, Kyoto

remains the Heart of Japanese culture. In his formative years Naoki traveled from Kyoto

to Hilo. Naoki was introduced to fishing by Jim Rizzuto, his math teacher and in his later

years a mentor in appreciating the sea and the bounty from the sea. Naoki grew up

fishing and diving off the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. He received his early

education at Hawaii Preparatory Academy INPAI in Kamuela and continued his

education at Chapman College in California. Naoki graduated in 1985 with a bachelor's

degree in chemistry and moved back to Hawaii, his home and the place he felt most

connected to Nature.


Nature:

Naoki shared his passion with kamaaina and visitors from across the globe as a PADI

dive instructor at Hamauma Bay for over 11 years. Each day Naoki learned and observed

the surroundings and the marine life of Hanauma Bay.

In his limited personal time Naoki reflected upon the time he spent with his grandparents,

especially when at age 8 his grandfather began teaching him about gyotaku. Naoki

established his own style of gyotaku, some traditional, some new, some of his very own.

Gyotaku began as a hobby. Naoki shared his gyotaku with family and friends for special

occasions. Encouraged by his family and friends Naoki started from his home in 1995.

Three years later he later moved into the garage. In 2000 Naoki opened Catch of the Day

at Koko Marina. He sponsored tournaments and continued to perfect his craft. Six

months later he moved to his present location at 46-020 Aloloa Street #D, Kaneohe.

Between the catch and the enjoyment of the meal, gyotaku involves three very important

steps. First, the first impressions will be made directly from the fish onto Shoji paper

using plain, non-toxic, black acrylic paint. From experience Naoki applies the right

amount of paint to achieve the detail of the scales and the fish itself.

The second step is the application of non-toxic acrylic color by brush, sea sponge or cloth

to refresh the time from when the catch came from the sea. The third and the most

critical is the eye of the fish. Naoki by fine brush and from years of marine observation

breathes life into the fish.


Nature:

Fishing Stories Chronicled

A Fishing Excursion To Remember – Verified. One clear day, Ryan Pike and Sterling

Kaya took off to their secret dive spot. After reaching the 100’ to 120’ depth they spotted

a monster uku cruising just outside the range of their spears. Their lungs started to begin

to burn. Miraculously Ryan got a clear shot. He launched his spear. It flew straight as

an arrow. The uku was mortally wounded. Out of nowhere a galagapagos shark

appeared. This 8 to 10 footer grabbed the uku in its monster jaws. Ryan fought to regain

his prize, his personal best for uku. Just as they were about to run out of air the shark let

loose and they headed for the surface. Ryan hauled in his line. All that remained was the

head of the uku. The head portion weighed approximately 20 lbs. Based on their visual

sighting and the approximate weight of the head they estimated the weight of the uku to

be around 60 lbs. (Two professional fishmongers on Oahu verified by weight of the head

of the uku alone that the uku would be in the 60 lb. range). The adrenaline rush, the

battle among giants, the feeling of victory and defeat are part of the Gyotaku by Naoki

displayed at Hanapa`a Fishing Supply.

Two Old Men of the Sea. As he did each day, this fisherman went out with his trusty

throw net to seek fish to feed his family. This was a special day as he needed enough fish

to feed his ohana (family gathering) for a special gathering. As time passed, he saw a

flash of movement through this polarized glasses. From the color there was no mistaking

that this was an uhu. From the length and size is about 12 lbs. He approached slowly,

tactically and strategically. This uhu had not reached this stage of maturity without being

wise and wary. At the right time the fisherman let his net out. He got a full spread from

his throw. When the net was retrieved and when he was at a safe place he removed the

uhu from the net. There was a wound mark near the top dorsal fin. This uhu had been

speared when it was younger. This encounter had left an impact on this fish. He had

adapted to his environment and avoided being landed by spear or by net, except on this

day. The fisherman sought out Naoki to preserve the impression as on that day two old

men of the sea met.


Nature:

Gyotaku is part of sharing. Naoki works diligently to keep his efforts locally based and

to give back to the community.

One of Naoki’s joys is to share with youth.

. The results have been very nice and the students have been thrilled. We shall continue

to peruse your sight and look forward to upcoming images.

Many Thanks,

Philip Bogdan

Teacher/Researcher

Gallaudet University

Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center


Nature:

Naoki shares of himself to enrich the lives of others. Naoki’s gyotaku becomes part of

their lives.

Mr. Naoki

"Na oki

captures the DYNAMIC nature of the ocean in this stunning


Nature:

Naoki,

We sure missed having you at the little gathering we had to present

Mr. Honda with his beautiful gyotaku! He was really touched and

especially liked your wording on the gift certificate – no expiration,

when you “get lucky”. He’s looking forward to being able to bring a

catch in with his daughter, Kelly, so they can get a truly personal work

of art! You’ll like Kelly and Arnold!

For The Love of Nature

We rely on the sea for sustenance. We must do our part to preserve and

protect the Sea. The balance is being affected. We must change the way we

do many things, not only for today, but for generations to come after us.

Naoki Hayashi

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For The Love Of Nature

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