Japan

「潜水器（簡易潜水器を含む）」や「水中銃」は、一覧表にないので使用できません。

Gear/methods permitted for recreational fishing under the prefectural Fishery Adjustment Regulations are limited to the listed types: 手釣・竿釣 (handline / rod fishing), ひき縄釣 (trolling), たも網 (landing/dip net), さで網 (scoop net), 投網 (cast net), やす (spear/harpoon), は具 (rake/tool for shellfish), and 徒手採捕 (hand collection). Gear not on this list — including 潜水器（簡易潜水器を含む）(diving apparatus, including simple diving apparatus) and 水中銃 (underwater guns) — may not be used.

In Japan, the areas, fishing gear, and methods for recreational fishing by foreign nationals are stipulated by law. Anyone who violates these laws is subject to imprisonment for not more than three years or a fine not exceeding 30 million yen, or both. ... In addition to the rules mentioned in this flyer, there are also rules governing the gathering and catching of aquatic animals and plants (fish, shellfish, seaweed, etc.), including their types and sizes, as well as fishing gear, methods, seasons, and areas, designated by laws such as the Fishery Act, regulations of individual prefectures, and directives by the commissions in charge.

Examples of lawful fishing gear and methods: Landing net, Scoop net, Fishing spear, Clam rake or knife, Cast net. Examples of fishing gear and methods that violate the law: Gaff, Basket trap, Gill net. Fishing gear and methods other than these are also prohibited unless permitted by Japanese law. Shore fishing: It is permitted to use a handline or a fishing rod to fish. Longline fishing and similar methods are prohibited. Boat fishing: In principle, please use shared fishing charters. They should be registered to a prefectural government. Pleasure boating is limited to small vessels of less than 3 tons. Casting a net from a boat is not permitted.

Article 37 of the Regulations stipulates the fishing gear and fishing methods that are permitted for use by recreational fishermen. Please note that collecting aquatic animals and plants using fishing gear and fishing methods other than those listed here is a violation of regulations [penalty: fine]. The definition of "pole spear" which is permitted for recreational use: It is a fishing gear used to catch fish by piercing it. The tip and handle are fixed together. You can also attach a rubber to the end of the handle. However, recreational fishermen are only permitted to use a rubber with restricted power to keep the handle in the user's hands when releasing it. Recreational fishermen are prohibited from using spear guns! (permitted only in commercial fishery). Furthermore, commercial fishing by foreigners is prohibited by the Act on the Regulation of Fishing Operations by Foreign Nationals. Fishing gear prohibited for recreational use: Traps, Gill nets, Spear guns, Diving equipment (SCUBA).

According to Article 132 of the Fisheries Act, harvesting of the following specific aquatic animals and plants is prohibited [up to 3 years of imprisonment/fine of up to 30 million yen]: Sea cucumbers; Juveniles of eels (Genus Anguilla). According to Article 34 of the Regulations, harvesting of "reef-building corals (hermatypic corals)" is prohibited [imprisonment for up to 6 months/fine of up to 100,000 yen]. As per the committee's instructions, the harvesting of sea turtles is prohibited (up to 1 year of imprisonment/fine of up to 500,000 yen).