Photo By Sgt. Alyssa N. Gunton | A team celebrates the completion of the Naha dragon boat race at the Naha Port May 5....... read more read more
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OKINAWA, Japan - The constant, steady beat of a drum provides the cadence for the fast-paced rowing that propels the 2.5-ton wooden vessel faster and faster through the water.
Okinawans, Americans and visitors participated in the 38th annual Naha dragon boat race at Naha Port May 5.
Haarii is an Okinawan word referring to dragon boat racing. Dragon boat racing was adopted from Chinese culture hundreds of years ago.
Practicing for the boat races is not taken lightly, even for the most experienced participants.
“We begin practicing for the dragon boat races two months before the event will take place,” said Morihide Ota, captain of team Gunners and a competitor since 2005. “We practice twice a week for about two hours each time.”
Dragon boat races are held year-round throughout Okinawa, but Naha haarii is the largest race in terms of boat size and number of participants.
“For me, I do the races because it is fun and I become stronger,” said Natsuku Azuma, a member of Gunners.
The race is short, lasting roughly five minutes, but is hard and strenuous on the rowers.
“We build a lot of teamwork from the practices and the race,” said Azuma. “We always focus on the fun and teamwork part of it.”
There are many different versions of haarii history, but it is widely agreed that this Chinese tradition was incorporated into festivals celebrated by Okinawan fishermen. This festival was held to pray for the safety of the men working at sea.
“I loved being able to be part of the culture instead of just seeing it,” said Cate Scully, a member of the Single Marine Program’s team Devil Dog.
One hundred fifty teams, comprised of members of Japanese and American companies and Japan and U.S. service members, participated in the Naha haarii.
“Taking part in this tradition has really opened my eyes and makes me want to learn more,” said Scully. “I am grateful I was able to be part of the Okinawa culture.”
The dragon boat races have become a common ground for Okinawans and Americans to come together and build relationships.
“I love sharing my culture with the Americans,” said Azuma. “I can tell they enjoy being a part of our culture and most of them are very good at racing. I have made new friends because of this.”
Dragon boats, each 14.5 meters long and weighing about 2.5-tons, race through Naha Port May 5 during the Naha dragon boat race. The races lasted all day and entertained thousands of spectators. Lance Cpl. Alyssa N. Hoffacker
Marines with the Single Marine Program Devil Dog team practice rowing techniques before competing in the Naha dragon boat race at the Naha Port May 5. Maintaining straight arms and using one’s entire body to help paddle is the best and most efficient way to row in a dragon boat.
| Date Taken: | 05.05.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 05.11.2012 00:23 |
| Story ID: | 88272 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 72 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Participants row through annual tradition, by Sgt Alyssa N. Gunton, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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