Traditional Cormorant Fishing Season Opens in Central Japan; Luxury Boat to Debut
Kyodo News
The 1,300-year-old tradition of cormorant fishing ('ukai') returned to the Nagara River in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, on Monday. Skilled fishermen in traditional attire guided trained birds under torchlight, attracting crowds of tourists and locals. This year's season will also debut a luxury boat for visitors.
The opening day drew many tourists and locals lining the banks of the Nagara River to observe the unique spectacle. The fishermen, known as 'usho', wore traditional costumes and used torches to attract fish while controlling the lines attached to the cormorants to ensure they do not swallow any large catch.
Organizers said this year's fishing season will see the launch of a luxury boat for visitors, expected to begin operations later this month. The boat features lavish interiors and can accommodate about 50 people, offering guests a more comfortable vantage point to experience the scene under moonlight and torchlight.
'Ukai' is not only a fishing method but is also regarded as an intangible cultural heritage of Japan. The uniqueness of this tradition lies in the seamless coordination between human and bird, as well as the preservation of cultural identity over centuries.
The luxury boat is expected to enhance the visitor experience, especially for those wishing to watch the flickering torchlight reflecting on the water alongside the flight paths of cormorants at night.
This year's fishing season is scheduled to run through the end of September, with performances held on most nights at designated areas along the Nagara River.
