Cormorant fishing on the Nagara River

Throughout its long history, it evolved from a means to live, to a profitable industry, to a major tourist draw.

The use of cormorants for fishing on the Nagara River began over 1,300 years ago, originating as a way for people to feed their families.

When the cormorants catch the fish, they are brought back to the boat using ropes attached to their bodies.

Each night, cormorant fishing officially begins when three fireworks are set off in the evening sky.

As the night draws to a close, the six boats will line up side-by-side and descend the river in a process called sougarami.

[4] These three people work in unison to control the boats and the birds, creating a wonderful harmony on the river.

The fishing masters use split pinewood (松割木 matsuwariki) because it burns easily and brightly.

There are usually five dancers on the boat while it goes up and down the river, entertaining the visitors before the night's cormorant fishing begins.

There is also a section that explains the creation of the nails used, all of which are made in Sanjō, Niigata Prefecture.