Cormorant Fishing in Japan: A Traditional Fishing Method

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Cormorant fishing, known as ukai in Japanese, is a traditional fishing method that has been practiced in Japan for over 1,300 years. This unique technique involves using trained cormorant birds to catch river fish, primarily ayu （sweetfish）. The fishermen, called usho, control the birds with leashes while the birds dive underwater to catch fish. At night, the fishermen use flaming torches to attract the fish to the surface, creating a spectacular visual display that has become a popular tourist attraction in cities like Gifu and Kyoto.

The cormorants are fitted with special snares around their necks that prevent them from swallowing larger fish, allowing the fishermen to retrieve the catch. This ancient practice is preserved today primarily as a cultural tradition and tourist attraction rather than for commercial fishing purposes. The Imperial Household Agency even maintains official cormorant fishing masters, highlighting the method\“s cultural significance in Japanese heritage.