Visitors travel to the Nagara River in Gifu to watch the incredible nighttime spectacle of fisherman fishing with cormorants. Using an ancient art that dates back over 1,300 years, cormorants dive under water emerging with fish up to 35cm (1ft) in length. A neckband placed over the bird's neck prevents it from swallowing the fish and the fisherman then harvest the catch. This incredible hereditary art is passed from generation to generation and the tools of the trade are preserved as national assets. Fishing takes place at night and birds are kept on short leashes so that they remain within the circle of torchlight.

Times
1930.