Photos by Shoji Kudaka ()
The 49th Naha Dragon Boat Race concluded on May 5. While the biggest dragon boat tournament in Okinawa left behind memorable moments, starting with the championship won by the Army Ladies' Dragon Boat Team, there are still more to come for rowers and their fans on the island.
Yukkanuhi is May 4 of the lunar calendar, which falls on June 21 in 2023. In Okinawa, it is the day when locals pray to the god of the sea for a good catch. As part of the tradition, many dragon boat races take place on or around this day.
While some of them are dedicated to local teams to showcase unique traditions, some are open to entries from outside, which include teams from the U.S. military.
Whether you are a rower or a spectator, you can still get your fill of dragon boats.
Upcoming events:
Itoman Hare Date: June 21 Time: 10 a.m. –4 p.m. Venue: Itoman Fishing Port GPS Coordinates: 26.12954, 127.66763
This is a traditional-style race for locals. Competitions will be held between small fishing boats called “sabani” with 12 crewmembers, compared to the big boats of Naha Dragon Boat Race, which hold 36 crewmembers. The small size of the boat is thought to add speed to the races.
The host municipality, Itonman City, is recognized as a municipality of Uminchu (fishermen). The competition functions as a ritual as well.
*No parking available in and around the venue.
Minatogawa Hare Date June 25 Time: 8 a.m. – noon
*This race was started by fishermen who moved to the Minatogawa District from Itoman City. Following a local tradition, this dragon boat race is called “hare” not “hari.” Once the race is over, there will be a Okinawan sumo tournament. Parking space is available in the fishing port.
Ojima Hari Date: June 21 Time 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. (for local competitions) 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (competitions for teams from outside) Venue: Ojima GPS Coordinates: 26.131959, 127.774064
*This race takes place around a small island off the southern coast of Okinawa and is known for “nagarebune,” a style of competition where crews jump into the water before boarding their boat. Teams from the U.S. military are expected to participate. Parking space is available.
Chatan Nirai Hari Date: June 25 Time: 7 a.m. – Venu: Hamakawa Fishing Port GPS Coordinates: 26.323952, 127.752817
*A popular event that features dance and music performances as well as dragon boat races. The venue is in the neighborhood of Kadena Air Base and Camp Foster. Many teams from the U.S. military are expected to join. Please note that parking space is not available on site. Spectators are expected to use public transportation.
Tomigusuku Hari Date: July 23 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Venue: Toyosaki Kaihin Koen (the north side of Orion Eco Chura Sun Beach) GPS Coordinates: 26.157235, 127.647590
*This race takes place at a popular resort beach near Naha Airport. Participants compete in 350-meter or 550-meter races.
Entry to this competition will be accepted until June 30. The entry fee costs 20,000 yen (approx. $144). For more info, contact the organizer at (tcta_info@tomigusuku-okinawa.jp).
Zento Hari Taikai
Date: Aug. 6 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Venu: Nago Fishing Port
*A big competition for local teams. Parking space is available in the fishing port. The venue is about 15-minute drive from Camp Schwab.
