Ukai: Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River 2024

Overview of Cormorant Fishing (Ukai):

Cormorant fishing, known as “Ukai” in Japanese, is a traditional fishing method where skilled handlers use trained cormorant birds to catch fish in rivers. The origins of cormorant fishing in Japan are uncertain, with some theories suggesting it was introduced from China alongside rice cultivation, while others propose that it independently developed in both Japan and China. Artifacts, such as haniwa (clay figures) depicting cormorant fishing found in ancient tombs, suggest that this practice may have existed as far back as the Kofun period (c. 250–538 CE). Written records from the 7th and 8th centuries, such as the “Sui Shu” in China and Japanese chronicles like the “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki,” contain references to cormorant fishing.

 

Origin of Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River:

In the region of Mino Province, present-day Gifu Prefecture, cormorant fishing is said to have been practiced since around the 7th century. A document stored in the Shosoin Treasure House dating back to 702 (Daibō 2) mentions a person named “Ukai-be no Mezurame,” indicating a connection to a group engaged in cormorant fishing. This historical account is considered the origin of the over 1300-year history of cormorant fishing on the Nagara River.

During the Muromachi period, there are records of shogun Ashikaga Yoshiyasu observing cormorant fishing on the Mogamigawa River (Nagara River), as well as former Chancellor and Minister of the Left, Ichijo Kaneyoshi, watching cormorant fishing near the mouth of the river in present-day Kagashima, Gifu City.

 

 

 

 

Event Summary

Nagara River, Gifu Prefecture

Period
May 11 – October 15, 2024

Official Web：Click Here