Get a glimpse into the world of uminchu

Haarii -- dragon boat races -- are one of the things that best represent the uminchu culture of Okinawa. Uminchu in the Okinawan dialect means fisherman. Haarii are among the island’s liveliest highlights in early summer, and a number of haarii events are scheduled at various ports and beaches at this time of year, starting with the Naha Haarii.

The type of boat used in Okinawan haarii races is called a sabani – a traditional fishing boat of this region. A regular sabani can hold up to 10 oarsmen, in addition to one helmsman and one bell ringer. The Naha Haarii, the biggest haarii festival in Okinawa, uses larger boats known as haryusen, each of which is crewed by 32 oarsmen, two helmsmen, two bell ringers and six other crewmen. Compared to sabani in other areas, haryusen are not only bigger but also more colorful and elaborate, featuring a dragon figurehead on the bow and its tail on the stern. It's very interesting to compare sabani used in the various haarii races. When visiting a haarii festival, why not take note of the sizes and colors of the boats and enjoy the races as a haarii connoisseur?

Naha Haarii

Date: Tuesday-Wednesday, May 3-5, 2016
Place: Naha Wharf
Admission: Free
For inquiries: (Naha City Tourist Association) 098-862-1442

Minatogawa Haarii & All-Okinawa Sumo Competition

Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Time: 7:00-13:00
Place: Minatogawa Port (Yaese Town)
For more information: (Minatogawa Fisheries Cooperative Association) 098-998-2261

Ou Island Haarii

Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Time: 8:30 onwards
Place: Coast of Ou Island (Nanjo City)
Admission: Free

Maeganeku Haarii

Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Time: 9:15-13:20
Place: Maeganeku Fishing Port (Onna Village)
Admission: Free

Manza Haarii Festival

Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Place: ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort (Onna Village)
Admission: Free

Ishigaki City Haarii

Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Place: Ishigaki Port (Ishigaki City)
Admission: Free

Itoman Haaree

Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Place: Itoman Fishing Port (603-1 Itoman, Itoman City)
Time: 9:15-15:30
Admission: Free
For inquiries: (office of the Itoman fisherman’s cooperative) 098-992-2011

Miyako Island Haarii

Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Place: All fishing ports on Miyako Island
Admission: Free

Iejima Haarii

Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Place: Ie Port (Oguchi Beach)
For information: (Ie Fishery Association) 0980-49-2035

Tonaki Haarii

Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Place: Tonaki Port (Tonaki Island)
Admission: Free

Iriomote Island Haarii

Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Place: Shirahama Port, Iriomote Town

Sarahama Haarii

Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Time: 8:30 onward
Place: Irabu Fisheries Cooperatives Open Space

28th Kadena Haarii

Date: Sunday, June 12, 2015
Time: 10:00
Place: Kadena Fishing Port (Kadena Town)

10th Chatan Nirai Haarii

Date: Sunday, June 19, 2016
Time: 8:00
Place: Chatan Fisharena
Admission: Free