Heroic Mama

Last Sunday, I had the chance to experience something truly unique— Daytime Cormorant Fishing, or ukai , in the Kiso River at Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture with my daughter and a good friend who visited us after his MSF mission in Pakistan. The Kiso River has been home to traditional cormorant fishing for 1300 years and it is overlooked by a national treasure, the Inuyama castle, rising above the river banks. The day was filled with joy, relaxation, and a bit of history. For this article, I would like to share about the cormorant fishing in Inuyama and hope to inspire you to come and experience it. What Is Cormorant Fishing? Cormorant fishing, known as ukai (鵜飼) in Japan, is a traditional fishing technique that has been practiced for over 1,300 years. It’s a fascinating way for humans and birds to team up to catch fish, especially sweetfish, called ayu . In this fishing method, The senior fisherman or the cormorant master, known as the ushō (鵜匠), uses trained cormorants, a type of bird, ...

As parents and caregivers, reading to your children is important for their development and cultivating a lifelong love of books. Here, we’ll explore why reading is important, when to start, how the children respond to books according to their ages, how to make reading time engaging, and share some recommended books for babies and toddlers. Reina visited the local library and picked her favorite book. Why is Reading Important for Children? Reading is important for children for several reasons including: 1. Language Development : Reading exposes children to new words, sounds, and rhythms, helping to build their vocabulary and understanding of language. 2. Encouraging a Love for Books : By reading together, you’re showing that books are fun and interesting. This early exposure can cultivate a lifelong passion for reading and learning. 3. Boosting Imagination and Creativity : Books take children on adventures, introducing them to new ideas, characters, and places, which fuels their imagina...