(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
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 June 18 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.
The hot season for rowers will not end on Yukkanuhi because a lot more races are coming up in June, July and August.
When you attend these races, please make sure that you are dressed in civilian attire. In Okinawa, uniforms should be avoided in such local events.
Mark your calendar and don’t miss these special Okinawa events!
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
Upcoming races
*There are some variations as to how to spell the Okinawan word for dragon boat race. Some spell it “hari” while others call it “hare” or “Harley.”
Itoman Hare
Ojima Hari
June 18 (Thu)
Time 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. (ceremonial races)
10:15 a.m. – 3 p.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 are scheduled to participate in the open competition.
Minatogawa Hare
June 21 (Sun)
8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Dragon Boat), (Kakuriki sumo competition is scheduled after the race)
Location: Minatogawa Fishing Port (N 26.124212, E 127.760636)
Kin Sunrise Beach Hari
Date: June 20 (Sat)
Time: 9 a.m. –
Location: Kin Sun Rise Beach (N 26.459761, E 127.947215)
For more info, check out the beach’s website at (https://kinsunrisebeach.com/)
Chatan Nirai Hari
*This is an all-day event featuring live entertainment, an all-fish you-can-grab competition, and flyboard show.
Ikei-jima Hari
July 5 (Sun)
Location: Itsukuma no hama (N 26.383676, E 127.993926)
Entry to the competition is open until June 29. Entry fee costs 8,000 yen.
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
*Competitions will be held in three categories, A, B and Women’s teams. Entry to the race is open until June 19. Entry fee costs 15,000 yen (approx. $94) per team. The registration form needs to be filled out and submitted to the Katsuren Fishery Association. (https://www.katsuren.net/entry.php?eid=343335)
Higa Hari
*Entry to the competition is open until June 22. Entry fee costs 10,000 per team.
Competitions will be held in four categories: A, B, families and women. Registration form needs to be submitted to Higa Kominkan (community center, GPS Coordinates: 26.325759, 127.953355)
*Hama and Higa are two districts on Hamahiga Island. Each of them holds its own dragon boat race every year.
Heshikiya Hari
*Entry to the competition is open until June 26. Entry fee costs 15,000 yen. The registration form needs to be filled out and submitted at the Katsuren Fishery Association (inside Heshikiya Fishing Port) along with the entry fee payment. (Registration form is also scheduled to be available for download at (https://www.katsuren.net/).
*This venue is in the neighborhood of White Beach.
Tsuken Hari
*Details to be announced at (https://www.katsuren.net/)
Ginowan Hagoromo Hari
*The venue is in the neighborhood of MCAS Futenma and Camp Foster
Henza Hari
*The organizer requests that participants and visitors be in civilian attire, not in military uniform.
Yakena Hari
Yomitan Hari
*Parking space will be prepared at (26.434788, 127.716886)
Kadena Hari
Date: June 21 (Sun)
Time: 10 a.m. – (opening ceremony at 9 a.m.)
Location: Kadena Fishing Port (26.361915, 127.747342)
*Competitions will be held in three categories, open, local and kids. Entry to the competition can be accepted until 5 p.m. on June 15 (Mon). Entry fee costs 13,000 per team. The registration form can be downloaded at (https://www.town.kadena.okinawa.jp/info/n8851.html, which needs to be filled out and submitted to Kadena Fishing Port along with the entry fee.
Tomigusuku Hari
July 19 (Competitions for students), July 21 (open competition)
Time: 9 a.m. – (July 19); 8 a.m. – (July 20)
Location: Water Channel between Chura Sun Beach and iias Okinawa (N 26.157145, E 127.648691 )
*Entry fees costs 25,000 yen per team at maximum. Registration forms are available at (https://www.tomigusuku-okinawa.jp/), which need to be filled out and submitted to Tomigusuku City Tourism Association by 5 p.m. on June 30, along with the registration fee and a signed statement.
Nago Shicho-hai Zento Hari
AloJapan.com