This simple catching technique was introduced from Southeast Asia. Itoman had a flourishing fishing industry long before the War. There was always a shortage of able-bodied men because of the progress of the industry. Poor families in northern Okinawa and the off-islands sold their sons to rich fishing families in Itoman. On the 4th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar, dragon boat races are held in the harbor.
Priests pray for a great catch of fish for the next season and then signal the start of the race.
Itoman is now a modern city. However, within the scenes of city life there still remain the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of a fishing village of former times. All Rights Reserved.