Cormorant fishing season kicks off in Gifu

Fishing boats are out on the Nagara River in Gifu this week for the start of cormorant fishing season. The centuries-old tradition, known as ukai fishing, involves fishers manipulating cormorants to catch sweetfish.

As the sun set in the city of Gifu, a cormorant fishing master known as an usho, dressed in traditional attire, set braziers alight on the boats to guide them in their nocturnal work.

Spectator boats, which allow onlookers to see the action at close range, are now operating at their full capacity since COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. This captivating spectacle will go on until October 15.