Ukai - Cormorant Fishing

Cormorant Fishing (commonly called Ukai in Japan) is an ancient fishing technique that originated in China. We are not sure exactly when it originated in China, but we know that it has been used in Japan for the past 1,300 years! Although it takes place in 13 cities in Japan, Gifu City is the most famous place to witness Ukai. This is because the Usho (Cormorant Fishing Masters) have ties to the Imperial Family. They give their fish to the Imperial Family eight times during the course of the fishing season, which runs from May til October every year.

There are 6 families who do Ukai here in Gifu, and these are the same families that have been doing it since it originated here. Each Ukai boat has two fisherman-- father and son. By tradition, each families' eldest son learns how to become a Usho, and eventually takes over for his father. Each family has about 20 Cormorants who live in a Cormorant hut by the families' homes. Between 10-12 Cormorants are taken fishing each day. The fisherman can distinguish between all of their birds, and they take birds that seem eager and well enough rested to partake in the days' fishing.

The practice of Ukai may sound cruel, and for the fish, it is! However, we have been assured that the birds are treated extremely well, like family members to the Usho. Each bird has a rope tied around their neck, and the Usho know exactly how to tie it. The rope is tied tight enough that it stays on, and tight enough the the birds cannot swallow big fish, but loose enough that the birds can swallow and eat smaller

fish. The main fish that the Usho are interested in catching and eating are sweet fish called "Ayu." Fun fact, sea Cormorants are used by each family. Sea Cormorants are larger than river Cormorants, and therefore are better for the task of Ukai.

While there are a lot of similarities between Ukai in China and Japan, there is one big difference-- the time of day. Typically Usho in Japan go fishing in the evening close to dusk. They attach fire lanterns to the side of their boat, this is meant to draw fish to the surface of the water. The Cormorant swim in the water, and once they spot a fish (they have good vision) they dive down and try to catch them!

Since each Cormorant is basically on a rope leash, and there are between 10-12 Cormorants taken to even fishing event, this is quite a task for the Usho! They hold all ropes in their left hand, and use their right hand to move around the rope to prevent them from tangling, returning them untangled to their left hand. The other fisherman is responsible for moving the boat and ocassionally hitting the flame to get rid of burnt down wood, and to keep the fire ablaze.

Once the birds catch a fish, the Usho (the one with the ropes in his hand) pulls the bird on board, to help the bird spit out the fish, and then returns the bird into the river.

The whole process is truly a sight to see! Obviously, this form of fishing is not really sustainable in modern times, but Japan does a wonderful job preserving their culture, and this is something that is worth seeing! The views of the beautiful Kiso River with the city lights in the background are also a sight to see, and then ocne the boats come floating down- ah-mazing! If you come to Japan, we definitely recommend doing this.