Traditional wooden sailboat Maransen revived on Henza Island

Traditional wooden sailboat <em>Maransen</em> revived on Henza Island

Residents celebrated the unveiling of wooden sailboat Maransen that was restored for the first time in half a century at Henza Community Center in Uruma on July 31.


August 5, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo

A wooden sailboat called Maransen was restored for the first time following the Battle of Okinawa. The sailboat was presented to residents at Henza public hall in Uruma City on July 31. A presentation ceremony was not held due to the effect of typhoon No. 12. However, many residents celebrated the newly-restored Maransen by performing Kachashi dance amid cheers from fishermen, and the sound of gongs and drums.

Sixty-year-old boat builder Haruki Goeku, who works at Henza, and three assistant boat builders, including Goeku’s son Yuki, 32, restored the traditional sailboat. At the ceremony, Uruma City Mayor Toshio Shimabukuro presented a letter of appreciation to them. Tatsuki Iha, a second-grade student of Ayahashi Junior High School named the boat “Kisinmaru.” He said, “I want the sailboat to be a symbol of travelling towards hope.”

Uruma City Office plans to invite people to an embarkation experience on August 16 and 17. After that, the boat will be open for viewing to the public. Mayor Shimabukuro said, “We would like to make use of the Maransen to educate society and the local community through its exhibition program.”

(English translation by T&CT)

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