If you’ve ever wanted to watch people row like their lives depend on it — and then flip their boats over on purpose — welcome to Itoman Hari, one of the most exciting (and wettest) traditions in Okinawa.
This year’s maritime madness happens on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Itoman Fishing Port in southern Okinawa. Mark your calendars, grab a hat, and maybe bring a towel just in case.
What’s a “Hari”? 🛶
Held every year on the 4th day of the 5th month on the lunar calendar, the Itoman Hari is a traditional boat race where fishermen and local youth groups go full throttle in long wooden boats called sabani.
Why all the splashing? It’s to thank the ocean for its blessings, pray for a big catch, and ask for safe sailing. So yes, it’s competitive and spiritual — kind of like CrossFit with better scenery.
Race Format 🥇
The boat races aren’t just “row to the finish line.” Nope. This is Okinawa. Things get spicy.
Teams come from three old village groups in Itoman: Nishimura, Nakamura, and Miijima. They compete against each other while the crowd cheers and the ocean pretends to behave.
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Highlights to Watch For 👀
クンヌカセー (Kunnukasee): This is the one where they intentionally flip their boats in the middle of the race, swim, flip them back, and keep going like nothing happened. Wild.
Youth Group Races: Energetic, loud, and full of heart — it’s like a high school sports day, but on water.
Agaisubu: The final showdown with the strongest rowers from each village. It’s the closest thing to an aquatic boss battle.
Event Schedule 📅
Friday, May 30, 2025
🕘 9:15 AM – Opening Ceremony (time to stretch those paddling muscles)
🕙 10:00 AM – Let the races begin! Expect non-stop rowing action, capsizing chaos, and plenty of sea spray
Location 📍
Itoman Fish Port: Google Pin
Where It’s Happening 📍
Itoman Fishing Port
〒901-0361 沖縄県糸満市糸満603-1
(Pro tip: Get there early if you want a good spot — and parking.)
Final Thoughts 💬
Itoman Hari is not your average boat race. It’s cultural, chaotic, and a whole lot of fun to watch. Whether you’re into local traditions, competitive paddling, or just want to watch people flip boats and keep a straight face, this one’s worth checking out.
Bring sunscreen. Maybe some snacks. Definitely your camera.
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Disclaimer
⚠️Disclaimer: Our passion for supporting local businesses drives us to share information about events in the Okinawa area. Please note that Oki Social is not responsible for hosting this event. It’s important to be aware that the event’s host reserves the right to make changes or even cancel the event without prior notice. Some photos and videos may come from various sources on the internet, whether official or unofficial. It is possible that some photos and videos may have been taken from the same event in previous occurrences.
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