Greetings to all anime enthusiasts and cultural explorers! I’m Amekuma, your navigator through the captivating landscapes of Kumamoto Prefecture that serve as the canvas for various anime and manga tales.

“Diary of Our Days at the Breakwater” (Houkago Teibou Nisshi, 放課後ていぼう日誌) holds a special place in our hearts, with its delightful portrayal of high school girls embracing the joys of fishing in Ashikita Town as a part of their club activities.

肥薩おれんじ鉄道沿線の芦北町が舞台の漫画「放課後ていぼう日誌」がＴＶアニメ化☆漫画では、単行本第４巻目まで刊行されてますが、第２巻の冒頭に、おれんじ鉄道はファンも多い「海浦駅」など、ちょこっと登場しています。アニメでも登場して欲しい…♪放映が楽しみです。@teibo_bu pic.twitter.com/scjHM29IQW

— 肥薩おれんじ鉄道株式会社【公式】 (@hisatsu_orange) August 28, 2019

When the manga leaped off the pages and onto our screens in 2020, it not only showcased the tranquil beauty of Ashikita but also brought to light the rich fishing culture deeply rooted in the area.

Motivated by the Breakwater Club’s adventures, I ventured to the serene shores of Ashikita to try my hand at fishing, armed with knowledge gleaned from the series and a hearty dose of beginner’s luck.

Gearing Up for the Adventure

My journey began on a brisk winter day, far from ideal for fishing but perfect for embracing the Breakwater Club’s spirit. With minimal gear in hand, my first stop was the iconic “Tenguya” fishing shop, affectionately renamed “Takohigeya” in the series.

This shop isn’t just a treasure trove of fishing gear; it’s a gateway to the world of Diary of Our Days at the Breakwater, filled with exclusive merchandise that even those unfamiliar with fishing would appreciate.

Opting for the hole fishing technique, I set my sights on catching rockfish, a staple in the series and a year-round resident of Ashikita’s waters. Thanks to the invaluable guidance from Tenguya’s staff, who shared local insights, baiting techniques, and pointed me to the essential “Ashikita Town Fishing Map,” and “Fishing Rules and Manners” booklet, I felt equipped to tackle this new challenge.

The Breakwater Awaits!

As I made my way to the recommended fishing spot, I was struck by the picturesque setting that had leaped from the pages of the manga and anime into reality.

Setting up wasn’t too difficult, even with my limited fishing experience.

With my line cast, I eagerly anticipated a bite, channeling the perseverance and optimism of Ohno-senpai from the Breakwater Club.

While there were signs of interest from the fish, securing a catch proved elusive. It reminded me of the club’s philosophy: “It’s not just about the catch; it’s about the experience.”

Just when I was about to pack up, a surprising tug on my line hinted at an unexpected catch. Was this the moment I had been waiting for?

…

……

？

Buddy, you’re not a rockfish, are you?

Alas, it wasn’t the fish I had hoped for, but the thrill of the catch was exhilarating for a beginner like me nonetheless.

Further investigation led me to find the fish is a type of goby classified as “Dictyosoma temminckii“.

Reflecting on the Day’s Adventure

This journey, inspired by “Diary of Our Days at the Breakwater,” transformed me from a novice to a triumphant angler, albeit not in the way I had initially imagined. The series not only teaches fishing techniques but also underscores the importance of safety and environmental respect, lessons that were invaluable during my excursion.

Thank you Ohno-senpai!

The experience of fishing in Ashikita, amidst the backdrop of the series, was a remarkable blend of reality and fiction. It was a reminder of the simple joys of connecting with nature and the community spirit that fishing fosters.

#放課後ていぼう日誌 第7話は堤防でのカサゴ釣りでしたね。
堤防や防波堤などは釣り場としても使われますが、安全確保などの理由から立入禁止となっている場所もあります。
釣りをしてよい場所か確認し、安全を確保して釣りを楽しんでくださいね。#teibo #水産庁 #農林水産省https://t.co/Ns6ClGDjVy pic.twitter.com/5R4HpyqB4j

— 農林水産省 (@MAFF_JAPAN) August 19, 2020

As I look forward to my next visit to Ashikita, I’m eager to once again immerse myself in the tranquil beauty and rich culture that inspired such a captivating series. The Breakwater Club’s adventures may have concluded on the screen, but in Ashikita, the story continues, inviting us all to cast our lines and discover the joys of fishing for ourselves.

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