Although the Naha Dragon Boat Race is in the rearview mirror, the rowers’ season is not done yet.
Yukkanuhi is May 4 of the lunar calendar, which falls on May 30 this year. This is the day when dragon boat races are held at several locations on the island to pray to the god of the sea for a good catch.
Naha Dragon Boat Race may be the biggest of all, but these other races are worthy of your attention as they have a long history as well.
Itoman Hari, which has a history of 400 years, draws a crowd of more than 30,000 every year. Recognized as a city of “Uminchu (fishermen),” Itoman hosts heated competition between local teams dressed in traditional attire.
Ojima Hari, on the other hand, is known for its unique styles.
In its “nagarebune” race, rowers plunge into the water by jumping off a bridge before getting on a boat and rowing. “Kunkeeraashee” is another style of the local race where rowers flip their boats upside down first before putting them back and start rowing.
With Yukkanuhi falling on Friday this year, some races are shifted to Sunday June 1 or even July or August.
Mark your calendar and don’t miss these special Okinawa events!
Upcoming races
*There are some variations as to how to spell the Okinawan word for dragon boat race. Some spell it “hari” while other call it “hare” or “Harley.”
Itoman Hare
May 30 (Friday)
Time: To be announced
Location: Itoman Fishing Port (N 26.129443, E 127.668257)
Ojima Hari
May 30 (Friday)
Time 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (ceremonial races)
10:30 a.m. – (open competitions)
Location: Ojima Fishing Port (N 26.131969, E 127.774016)
*This race takes place on Ojima Island, a small island connected to Okinawa’s main island by a bridge. Teams from the U.S. military often participate in the open competition.
Minatogawa Hare
June 1 (Sunday)
8 a.m. – Noon (Dragon Boat), 1:30 p.m.– (Kakuriki sumo competition)
Location: Minatogawa Fishing Port (N 26.124212, E 127.760636)
Kin Sunrise Beach Harley (hari)
Date: June 1
Time: 9 a.m. –
Location: Kin Sun Rise Beach (N 26.459761, E 127.947215)
*Entry to the competition is accepted until 5 p.m. on May 21. Entry fee costs 30,000 yen (approx. $205) per team.
For more info, check out the beach’s website at (https://kinsunrisebeach.com/)
Chatan Nirai Hari
Date: June 1
Time: 7 a.m. –
Location: Hamagawa Fishing Port (N 26.323881, E 127.752863)
*This is an all-day event featuring live entertainment, an all-fish you-can-grab competition, food trucks and fireworks.
Ikei-jima Hari
June 29
Location: Itsukuma no hama (N 26.383676, E 127.993926)
Entry to the competition is accepted until one week before the day of the event.
Contact Ikei Jichikai at ikei7373@gmail.com or 098-977-7373 for entry.
*This venue on Ikei Island can be accessed by car via Kaichudoro causeway and other bridges.
Hama Hari
Date: June 22
Location: Hama Fishing Port (N 26.327346, E 127.954548)
Higa Hari
Date: June 29
Location: Higa Fishing Port (N 26.322884, E 127.966854)
*Hama and Higa are two districts on Hamahiga Island. Each of them holds its own dragon boat race every year.
Heshikiya Hari
Date: July (to be announced)
Location: Heshikiya Fishing Port (N 26.30666, E 127.92267)
*This venue is in the neighborhood of White Beach.
Tomigusuku Hari
July 20 (open competition), July 21 (Competitions for students)
Location: Water Channel between Chura Sun Beach and iias Okinawa (N 26.157145, E 127.648691)
Ishikawa Hari
Date: July (to be announced)
Location: Ishikawa Fishing Port (N 26.429116, E 127.829929)
Motobu Kaiyo Matsuri Dragon Boat Race
Date: July (to be announced)
Location: Toguchi Fishing Port (N 26.659213, E 127.889403)
Nago Shicho-hai Zento Hari
Date: Aug. 3 (To be confirmed)
Location: Nago Fishing Port (N 26.586543, E 127.981087)
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