The famous book, SABANI Canoes of Okinawa, is now available online, with authentification of the late Mr. Katsuhiko Shiraishi and his family. The full text, excluding the chapters for making sabani models, and all the beautiful drawings are included. Reusable passcode costs 1,050 Japanese Yens. Some part of the profit will be allotted to the working fund of Uminchu Koubou.

Itoman Uminchu Koubou, is a museum, that intends to succeed the regional piscatorial culture to the next generation.

May a few people know, that once Japanese original goggle or piscatorial sailboat existed in the Ryukyu Islands, and Uminchu (fishermen) went over the sea using them.

For example, the swimming goggle called "Mikagan", which was invented by a Itoman's fisherman about 120 years ago, had not only got around the world and changed fishery industry of the time, but also it had strong affect on the form of the goggle used in the swimming race today.

Also the traditional piscatorial sailboat "Saban" was equipped with Japanese original highly sophisticated and well-developed sailing mechanism, and even is competitive with the foreign sailing ship of the day. It is well known that the area curve of Sabani's hull measured by Akira Yokoyama, a frontier sailing boat designer/builder in Japan, deeply surprised him and affected his work in the build of "Nippon Challenge", which threw to the world's biggest sailing regatta "America's Cup".

These are anything more than some pieces of examples showing awesome Itoman's maritime culture. We strongly think that to understand, conserve, inherit and to advance these forerunners' knowledge towards the future is extremely important mission, also in order not to miss and loose forever.

Traditional fishery tools are important cultural assets, which tell us about the life and work at that time. Please do not forsake them and do not hesitate to inform us.

We are very glad to conserve and display them at Uminchu Koubou, if you let us do that.

The famous book, SABANI Canoes of Okinawa, is now online

（2010.12.23）

The famous book, SABANI Canoes of Okinawa, became available online, with authentification of the late Mr. Katsuhiko Shiraishi and his family.

Some information regarding to the Sabani Regatta is updated

（2010.10.23）

We have added a detailed map to the race site. Also the names of the team participating are updated.

Pictures taken in 1964 have been contributed.

（2010.10.11）

Four precious pictures have been contributed from Thomas A. Farrell, MD., taken at Okinawa during his stay as a medical doctor in 1960's.

Sabani Race Information

(2010.10.8)

Information of The Itoman Mayor's Cup, 9th Sailing Sabani Regatta, is now available.

Detailed pictures of Youtoi added.

（2009.11.29）

"Youtoi" was added to the list of items stored. Also detailed pictures are now available.

Detailed pictures of Umifuzo added.

（2009.11.3）

"Umifuzo" was added to the list of items stored. Also detailed pictures are now available.

 [ ← 日本語表示 ]