Ukai The Fisherman's Friend
Photo: eBay @hendryguy
Have you ever seen these cute Kokeshi with a “bird” you most likely wondered if there was a story behind its making. I researched and found an interesting cultural story that, most likely, inspired the design of the Kokeshi pictured.
The small bird is a Japanese Cormorant (Phalacrocorax Capillatus). It has a large orange bill, the top curves over the lower bill almost like a hook or clasp. And it is perfect for Ukai, a traditional fishing method that uses trained cormorants to catch river fish. The cormorant?s eyes appear to be a sparkling turquoise green and their plumage, while not water-repellent, are receptive to moisture. It is believed that their spread-wing posture is to allow their wings to dry after they have been wet. Cormorants can hold their breath for about 15 whole minutes!
Although a dying practice, cormorants have been fisherman’s fishing partners dating back to 636 AD where the practice was documented in the official history of the Sui Dynasty of China as described by the ancient Japanese in the Book of Sui.
So how does the cormorant help fishermen? The fisherman loosely ties a snare around the neck and the bird is sent out on a leash to collect fish. The fish become lodged in its throat and the fisherman retrieves the cormorant by pulling it back on the leash. The fisherman then puts pressure on the neck of the cormorant dislodging the fish. You can watch the event live at Minato-machi, Gifu-shi, Gifu-ken during May to October months where sightseeing boats depart from Nagara Bridge several times during the evening (as this is a dusk event).
It is important to note that many animal rights activists do not agree with the practice. It is not the choice of fishing today but is more of a tourist attraction to demonstrate how fishing was aided by the cormorant.
Ukai The Fisherman's Friend