CORMORANT FISHING ON THE NAGARA RIVER Meaning and
Definition
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Cormorant fishing on the Nagara River is a traditional fishing method practiced in Japan. It involves the cooperation between skilled fishermen and cormorant birds to catch fish from the river.
Cormorant birds, specifically trained for this purpose, are dispatched onto the river at night with a thin rope tied around their necks to prevent them from swallowing larger fish. These birds dive into the water to catch fish, which they instinctively bring to the surface. The fishermen skillfully maneuver long boats equipped with traditional straw baskets, known as yunas, to collect the captured fish from the cormorants' beaks.
This age-old fishing technique has a historical significance dating back over 1,300 years and is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. It not only provided sustenance for communities living along the Nagara River but also served as an important form of entertainment for locals and tourists. To this day, cormorant fishing on the Nagara River continues to be practiced during the summer nights, attracting visitors from around the world.
The evident harmony and cooperation between humans and animals in cormorant fishing on the Nagara River make it a unique and awe-inspiring spectacle. The cultural and historical value of this traditional fishing method has led to its recognition as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, preserving it for future generations to appreciate and experience.
