Status of the Usho
Currently, there are six Usho performing Gifu Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River. Only these six Usho on the Nagara River and the three Usho in Oze Cormorant Fishing, or nine Usho in total, have been appointed as Usho by Shikibu-Shoku, the Imperial Household Agency in Japan.
Characteristics of cormorants
In Gifu Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River, they use Japanese cormorants, which are larger in size and stronger than the common cormorant. Cormorants have good eyes. Before they fly away from an enemy, they discharge the fish that they have kept in their throat.
Imperial cormorant fishing / cormorant fishing observation by imperial family members
“Goryo Ukai” refers the duty of the Ukai of Shikibu-Shoku, the Imperial Household Agency and cormorant fishing to catch Ayu (sweetfish) to be delivered to imperial family. It is performed eight times during the cormorant fishing season.
Living with cormorants
The Usho show affection to the cormorants. And because the cormorants recognize this affection, the cormorants strive to catch fish every day.
