Foreign students from Gifu University and Nagoya University were invited by Gifu Tourism and Convention Division to witness the 1300-year- old tradition of cormorant fishing or ukai in Nagara River. It was an amazing experience as most of the spectators in the group were first timers. We were in awe with how the cormorants catch the ‘ayu’ without swallowing it. The cormorant masters themselves also look interesting as they don a special kind of clothing when they go fishing. I was lucky to take part in this event as some of my Japanese friends have not even seen it.
- 1 min read
The Beauty of Cormorant Night Fishing
1300-year old tradition of using birds to catch fish

By Hessel
Community writer

I was lucky enough to witness twice the Japanese traditional method of fishing in Gifu. This fishing method known as cormorant fishing or ukai has been around for 1300 years. The whole experience is very interesting as it is one-of-its kind. On top of (Photo: Hessel Anne Domingo)

It was time to board the boat. (Photo: Hessel Anne Domingo)

A cormorant master and his cormorant (Photo: Hessel Anne Domingo)

A scrumptious dinner to enjoy (Photo: Hessel Anne Domingo)

Being entertained while eating (Photo: Hessel Anne Domingo)

Night view of Gifu (Photo: Hessel Anne Domingo)

A fishing master putting pine wood in the bonfire (Photo: Hessel Anne Domingo)

He looks like as if he is on fire. (Photo: Hessel Anne Domingo)

Gathering the cormorants (Photo: Hessel Anne Domingo)

These were the 'ayu' that the cormorants were able to catch (Photo: Hessel Anne Domingo)

The sea cormorants were done for the night (Photo: Hessel Anne Domingo)

The bonfire that attracts the fish (Photo: Hessel Anne Domingo)
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