Kadena Dragon Boat Team

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nestor Cruz
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AB, Japan --  Spring is here and Naha Port will soon be filled with the sound of cheering spectators and the rhythmic beat of a metal gong. 

Teams composed of 32 rowers will board long fiberglass boats painted to resemble mythical seafaring dragons. Sweat and seawater will drip from their brows as their oars chop up the murky waters. Although the race lasts about five minutes, it will seem to last forever for those who will physically push their bodies to the limit. 

This is Okinawan dragon boat racing. 

This annual tradition traces its origin to 13th century China and the tale of Kutsugen, a war hero who committed suicide after being falsely accused of betraying the Emperor. Saddened by the news of Kutsugen's death, the Emperor held a dragon boat race in his honor. The King of the Ryukyu Islands was moved by this story and decided to hold dragon boat races on the island that would become today's Okinawa. 

Every May 5, Naha Port plays host to the dragon boat race or "hare" which caps off the Japanese Golden Week holidays. 

Spectators cheer on as approximately 50 teams battle it out to see who is the fastest. Eight teams are composed of men and women of U.S. Forces Japan. This year marks the eighth time USFJ will participate in the race fielding Army, Navy and Air Force teams. 

"In the past four years, our men's team hasn't officially won first place among our sister branches," said Justin McKee, Kadena men's team coach. "We've been training hard for this year's race, so this is our year to crush our competition." 

Although the women's team has a full roster, the men's is still in need of rowers. To volunteer, call 634-1266.