Light on a Raging River

The Kuzuryu River is a symbol of Fukui Prefecture, central Japan. Local people know it as "the raging river" for its repeated flooding, but they also appreciate the profusion of its gifts. We filmed along a 5-km stretch in the middle part of the river, which rises in Mount Haku and flows 116km into the Sea of Japan. There, crystal-clear spring water bubbles up from the riverbed, home to a variety of creatures despite being so close to a town. The camera captures the beauty of the river and its environs, including Sweetfish risking their lives to lay their eggs, the elusive Cherry salmon, and willows releasing their fluffy seeds into the wind.