Flags wave at Itoman fishing port for Lunar New Year
Tairyo-bata, or fishermen's flags indicating a big catch, are raised in the wind as part of the Lunar New Year tradition at the Itoman fishing port in Itoman City, on February 1. (Photographed by Riko Higa)
February 2, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Riko Higa
On the February 1 Lunar New Year, many visitors flocked to the Itoman fishing port in Itoman City, Okinawa, to see the tairyo-bata, or fishermen’s flags indicating a big catch. Masahiro Tanaka, 78, and his wife Midori, 75, moved to Itoman City from Saitama Prefecture 12 years ago. Midori said, “We don’t have Lunar New Year’s customs [back home], so we enjoyed this occasion. We were experiencing poor weather, but we got to enjoy a nice stroll.”
The fishermen also barbequed at the port. Rei Irikedamoto, 32, captain of the Ryusei-Maru, expressed his hopes for the New Year: “The damage was limited but the pumice stones are still drifting at sea. Having no accidents is best.”
(T&CT and Monica Shingaki)
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