2019 Dori Whale Festival

The Dori area of Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is an old fishing village located on the Sea of Japan coast. About 400 years ago, during the Edo period (1603-1867), when the Mori clan of Choshu was in power, whales were whaled by hand using harpoons and nets because the topography of the bay made it easy for whales to wander into the area. The whaling was carried out by hand using harpoons and nets. The festival is a reenactment of this traditional whaling method, using boats that look like whales. In addition, a song is sung in celebration of the big catch in the Tori area. Strangely enough, however, the singing is sung with fir hands instead of clapping hands. It is said that this is to express their mourning for the whale. This song is called "Tsugaru-uta," and is sung by the members of the Tsugaru-uta Preservation Society and children of the local elementary school, and is performed at festivals!