“Duck competition” - abuse or tradition?
ローランキー
Itoman Harleys
This event is held every year on May 4th of the lunar calendar in the Itoman Fishing Port Naka area of Itoman, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture. It is one of Itoman City's traditional events, along with the Itoman Grand Tug of War held on the 15th night of autumn. Harleys are said to have been introduced from China about 600 years ago, and are a way of praying for safe voyages and bountiful catches by rowing dragon boats against each other.
infomation: Wikipedia
Is the shaky ritual “duck competition” abuse or tradition?
Men in small wooden boats row oars in unison. The Itoman Harley is a traditional Shinto ritual held in Itoman City, the southernmost tip of Okinawa's main island, in early summer. Regarding this Itoman Harley, one man involved in the event was referred to the prosecutor's office. The reason is "suspected violation of the Animal Welfare Act."
A Long History of Animal Respect
The Japanese have a long history of respecting animals. Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, teaches that all living things have a spirit, and animals are often seen as companions and protectors. This reverence for animals is evident in many aspects of Japanese culture, such as the traditional practice of keeping koi (錦鯉) carp as pets. Koi are considered to be symbols of good luck and perseverance, and they are often kept in ponds or gardens.
Modern Challenges to Animal Welfare
Despite its strong tradition of animal respect, Japan faces a number of challenges when it comes to animal welfare. One of the biggest challenges is the country's intensive farming practices. In order to meet the demand for meat and other animal products, Japanese farms often raise animals in cramped and unsanitary conditions. This can lead to a number of problems, including animal stress, disease, and injury.
Another challenge to animal welfare in Japan is the country's pet trade. Every year, millions of animals are bought and sold in Japan, and many of them come from puppy mills and other commercial breeding facilities. These animals often live in poor conditions and may not receive the care they need.
Balancing Tradition and Animal Welfare
The debate over the duck-catching ritual highlights the complex relationship between tradition and animal welfare. On the one hand, traditions and cultural practices are an integral part of a community's identity and provide a sense of continuity and belonging. On the other hand, it is essential to ensure that these practices do not cause undue harm to animals.
Alternative Approaches
In light of the growing concerns about animal welfare, it is important to explore alternative approaches that can preserve the cultural significance of the Itoman Harley while minimizing the impact on ducks. Some potential solutions include:
- Replacing live ducks with artificial ones: This would allow the ritual to continue without involving animals.
- Modifying the duck-catching competition: The rules of the competition could be modified to reduce the risk of injury to ducks. For example, participants could be prohibited from grabbing or pulling the ducks' feathers.
- Raising awareness about animal welfare: Educational campaigns can be conducted to raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare and encourage participants to handle the ducks with care.
Moving Forward
Finding a balance between tradition and animal welfare requires a collaborative effort from various stakeholders, including community leaders, animal welfare organizations, and the local government. By engaging in open dialogue and exploring alternative solutions, it is possible to find a way to preserve the cultural essence of the Itoman Harley while ensuring the well-being of the animals involved.は
It is important to remember that tradition is not static and can evolve over time. By incorporating animal welfare considerations into the Itoman Harley, the community can demonstrate its commitment to compassion and respect for all living beings.
Here are some ways you can help:
- Contact the organizers of the Itoman Harley and express your concerns about animal welfare.
- Support animal welfare organizations that are working to protect animals in Japan.
- Educate others about the importance of animal welfare and encourage them to speak up against cruelty to animals.
By working together, we can create a more compassionate future for animals in Japan and around the world.
