Hari Taikai (Dragon Boat Race)

The Hari or Haree Dragon Boat Races are a tradition borrowed from the Chinese and are held as a tribute to the sea gods to pray for a bountiful harvest of fish from the sea each year.

Many local groups participate in the festivities and fun competition but the main attraction is the race featuring the local fishermen. These hardened sea faring men do an interesting race often seen in Okinawa Hari which includes flipping over the boat and then all getting back in as fast a possible.

The Sabani a traditional Okinawan style of boat is used in the race. The Sabani is made from wood and has been used for fishing by Okinawa fishermen for hundreds of years. Besides the boat races there are also many food vendors selling yummy treats and live performances of traditional Okinawan culture.

From Ishigaki Airport: Approx 10 min. by car
Name of Venue: Ishigaki Gyokou, port
Date: beginning of June
Starting time: 8:00am
Phone: 0980-82-2448