A large earthquake hit Ogi area in Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture, in 1802. This quake caused the sudden rise of Ogi area, and so the coastline of which became ragged with numerous tiny inlets. These inlets have gradually become ideal fishing grounds of abalones, turbos and wakame seaweed. Thus, the special fishing boats, being capable of turning in the narrow inlets, were invented. They were TARAI-BUNE boats, which were an improvement of traditional wooden washbowl. The tarai-bune boats, with a payload of 500kg, can be controlled with one paddle. These special boats are still used in Sado Island,
not only for fishing purpose but also for tourism. The tarai-bune in the picture is for tourism though, this type is one size bigger than for fishing.
Licensed tour guide, travel consultant,
Masahisa Takaki.
全国通訳案内士 高木聖久
