Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

GIFU, Japan, May 12 Kyodo - The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026. (Kyodo)

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026.

Cormorant Fishing

Cormorant Fishing

HAI'AN, CHINA - DECEMBER 21, 2025 - A fisherman is taking his cormorants to catch fish in Duntou Town, Hai'an City, Jiangsu Province, China on December 21, 2025.

Cormorant Fishing

Cormorant Fishing

HAI'AN, CHINA - DECEMBER 21, 2025 - Fishermen use cormorants to catch fish in a river contracted for fish farming in Duntou Town, Hai'an City, Jiangsu Province, China on December 21, 2025.

Cormorant Fishing

Cormorant Fishing

HAI'AN, CHINA - DECEMBER 21, 2025 - Fishermen use cormorants to catch fish in a river contracted for fish farming in Duntou Town, Hai'an City, Jiangsu Province, China on December 21, 2025.

Cormorant Fishing

Cormorant Fishing

HAI'AN, CHINA - DECEMBER 21, 2025 - Fishermen use cormorants to catch fish in a river contracted for fish farming in Duntou Town, Hai'an City, Jiangsu Province, China on December 21, 2025.

Cormorant Fishing

Cormorant Fishing

HAI'AN, CHINA - DECEMBER 21, 2025 - Cormorants resting on fishing boats after fishing, Duntou Town, Hai'an City, Jiangsu Province, China on December 21, 2025.

Cormorant Fishing

Cormorant Fishing

HAI'AN, CHINA - DECEMBER 21, 2025 - A fisherman is taking his cormorants to catch fish in Duntou Town, Hai'an City, Jiangsu Province, China on December 21, 2025.

Cormorant Fishing

Cormorant Fishing

HAI'AN, CHINA - DECEMBER 21, 2025 - Fishermen use cormorants to catch fish in a river contracted for fish farming in Duntou Town, Hai'an City, Jiangsu Province, China on December 21, 2025.

Cormorant Fishing

Cormorant Fishing

HAI'AN, CHINA - DECEMBER 21, 2025 - A fisherman is taking his cormorants to catch fish in Duntou Town, Hai'an City, Jiangsu Province, China on December 21, 2025.

Cormorant Fishing

Cormorant Fishing

HAI'AN, CHINA - DECEMBER 21, 2025 - Cormorants resting on fishing boats after fishing, Duntou Town, Hai'an City, Jiangsu Province, China on December 21, 2025.

End of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

End of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Traditional cormorant fishing called "ukai" is performed on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on the night of Oct. 15, 2025. It is the year's last day of fishing using trained cormorants to catch fish.

End of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

End of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Traditional cormorant fishing called "ukai" is performed on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on the night of Oct. 15, 2025. It is the year's last day of fishing using trained cormorants to catch fish.

End of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

End of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Traditional cormorant fishing called "ukai" is performed on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on the night of Oct. 15, 2025. It is the year's last day of fishing using trained cormorants to catch fish.

End of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

End of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Traditional cormorant fishing called "ukai" is performed on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on the night of Oct. 15, 2025. It is the year's last day of fishing using trained cormorants to catch fish.

China: Octopus Clings to Phone After Being Caught by Fisher in Fuzhou

In Fuzhou, Fujian, a video captured a man fishing when he unexpectedly caught an octopus with a phone stuck to one of its tentacles on September 28. The octopus refused to let go, wrapping its arms tightly around the device as if claiming it as its own.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The "ukai" traditional cormorant fishing season starts on Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2025.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The "ukai" traditional cormorant fishing season starts on Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2025.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The "ukai" traditional cormorant fishing season starts on Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2025.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The "ukai" traditional cormorant fishing season starts on Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2025.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The "ukai" traditional cormorant fishing season starts on Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2025.

[Breaking News]Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

GIFU, Japan, May 12 Kyodo - This year's "ukai" traditional cormorant fishing starts on Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2024. (Kyodo)

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

GIFU, Japan, May 11 Kyodo - This year's "ukai" traditional cormorant fishing starts on Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2024.(Kyodo)

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

This year's "ukai" traditional cormorant fishing starts on Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2024.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

This year's "ukai" traditional cormorant fishing starts on Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2024.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

This year's "ukai" traditional cormorant fishing starts on Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2024.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

This year's "ukai" traditional cormorant fishing starts on Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2024.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

This year's "ukai" traditional cormorant fishing starts on Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2024.

End of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

End of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Traditional cormorant fishing called "ukai" is performed on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on the night of Oct. 15, 2023. It is the year's last day of fishing using trained cormorants to catch fish.

End of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

End of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Traditional cormorant fishing called "ukai" is performed on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on the night of Oct. 15, 2023. It is the year's last day of fishing using trained cormorants to catch fish.

End of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

End of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Traditional cormorant fishing called "ukai" is performed on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on the night of Oct. 15, 2023. It is the year's last day of fishing using trained cormorants to catch fish.

Winter Migrant Cormorants Catch Fish at West Lake in Hangzhou

Winter Migrant Cormorants Catch Fish at West Lake in Hangzhou

HANGZHOU, CHINA - OCTOBER 12, 2023 - A cormorant, a winter migrant bird, catches fish at West Lake in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, Oct 12, 2023.

Winter Migrant Cormorants Catch Fish at West Lake in Hangzhou

Winter Migrant Cormorants Catch Fish at West Lake in Hangzhou

HANGZHOU, CHINA - OCTOBER 12, 2023 - A cormorant, a winter migrant bird, catches fish at West Lake in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, Oct 12, 2023.

Winter Migrant Cormorants Catch Fish at West Lake in Hangzhou

Winter Migrant Cormorants Catch Fish at West Lake in Hangzhou

HANGZHOU, CHINA - OCTOBER 12, 2023 - A cormorant, a winter migrant bird, catches fish at West Lake in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, Oct 12, 2023.

Winter Migrant Cormorants Catch Fish at West Lake in Hangzhou

Winter Migrant Cormorants Catch Fish at West Lake in Hangzhou

HANGZHOU, CHINA - OCTOBER 12, 2023 - A cormorant, a winter migrant bird, catches fish at West Lake in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, Oct 12, 2023.

Winter Migrant Cormorants Catch Fish at West Lake in Hangzhou

Winter Migrant Cormorants Catch Fish at West Lake in Hangzhou

HANGZHOU, CHINA - OCTOBER 12, 2023 - A cormorant, a winter migrant bird, catches fish at West Lake in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, Oct 12, 2023.

Winter Migrant Cormorants Catch Fish at West Lake in Hangzhou

Winter Migrant Cormorants Catch Fish at West Lake in Hangzhou

HANGZHOU, CHINA - OCTOBER 12, 2023 - A cormorant, a winter migrant bird, catches fish at West Lake in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, Oct 12, 2023.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

This year's "ukai" traditional cormorant fishing starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2023.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

This year's "ukai" traditional cormorant fishing starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2023.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

This year's "ukai" traditional cormorant fishing starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2023.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

This year's "ukai" traditional cormorant fishing starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2023.

Artificially incubated Japanese cormorant chick

Artificially incubated Japanese cormorant chick

KYOTO, Japan - A Japanese cormorant chick artificially incubated in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, western Japan, is shown to the press on July 16, 2014. The Uji River running through the city is famous for fishing with trained Japanese cormorants.

Artificially incubated Japanese cormorant chick

Artificially incubated Japanese cormorant chick

KYOTO, Japan - A Japanese cormorant chick artificially incubated in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, western Japan, is shown to the press on July 16, 2014. The Uji River running through the city is famous for fishing with trained Japanese cormorants.

Cormorant egg artificially hatched in Kyoto Pref.

Cormorant egg artificially hatched in Kyoto Pref.

KYOTO, Japan - Cormorant fishing master Mariko Sawaki voices pleasure in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, on June 30, 2014, following the successful hatching of a cormorant egg.

Cormorant fishing master works under bonfire on Nagara River

Cormorant fishing master works under bonfire on Nagara River

GIFU, Japan - An "usho" cormorant fishing master works under a bonfire on the Nagara River in Gifu, central Japan, on May 11, 2014.

Cormorant fishing masters maneuver to catch 'ayu' trout

Cormorant fishing masters maneuver to catch 'ayu' trout

GIFU, Japan - "Usho" cormorant fishing masters maneuver "u" water birds to catch "ayu" trout on the Nagara River in Gifu, central Japan, on May 11, 2014.

Cormorant fishing on Nagara River

Cormorant fishing on Nagara River

GIFU, Japan - A handler controls cormorants on a string as they hunt fish on the Nagara River in the city of Gifu, central Japan, on May 11, 2011. The season for the traditional night fishing method, called ''ukai,'' opened the same day and will run through October 15.