Gyotaku was a way for Japanese fishermen to remember their catch. This art form dates to the mid-19th century before everyone had a camera. It was really used to document “trophy catches” or anything big or unusual. After printing the fish, the fisherman would wash off the ink so it would be presentable to sell at the market. These early fish prints were not considered to be an art form but rather as a way to record their catch. Prior to World War II, most of the businesses on Fisherman's Wharf were owned by Japanese. We are honoring our Japanese history with this activity.

Origami is believed that the art of origami was invented by the Japanese over a thousand years ago and is an art form as old as paper itself! There are different styles of origami, ceremonial, girei (formal folded ornaments) and recreational. Perhaps the most famous use of origami was told in the classic book, “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes” by Eleanor Coerr. The Monterey Japanese community first arrived before the turn of the 20th century, and it was fishing that brought them here, abalone and salmon. It can be said that abalone built the Monterey Wharf, prior to WWII, most of the business on the Wharf were owned and operated by Japanese, fish markets and abalone processors.

Scrimshaw is a form of Portuguese and Basque sailor’s art that dates to the very early part of the 19 th century. Created by sailors serving aboard whaling ships, they would carve scenes, usually of their life at sea, onto whale teeth, whale bone and walrus tusks. Often these intricately carved pieces would be gifted to the sailor’s sweetheart or wife upon returning from a long voyage at sea. Whaling was a way of life in Monterey. The streets were paved with whale bones. We are honoring our Portuguese and Basque whalers' history with this activity.