Elementary school students compete in grabbing live fish.

Yagaji Island is located north of Nago City, and actually a part of it. The island is best known as a destination of shorebirds that move to the shallow shores of the island for winter. There’s also canoeing and a mangrove observatory at Yagaji Beach.

The island is also the site for a festival that takes place at the Nago City Yagaji branch office this Sunday (Nov. 6).

The festival starts at 11:00, and during the event a number of stalls sell local foods, handmade sweets and vegetables grown on Yagaji. There are several workshops during the day and those who want some hands-on experience should apply at the city office. Charges apply to some of the workshops to cover the cost of materials.

Two one-hour-long walking tours starting at 12:30 are available for 20 persons each. Participants must sing up by noon at the city office reception desk. The cost is ¥500 per person nine years of age and older.

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Free lantern making workshop goes on from 11:00 to 16:00 with the light up of the lanterns from 18:00 to 20:00. No need to apply in advance.

Sandal throwing contest takes place from 12:00 to 15:00. The final competition is at 15:30. The first 30 people can join for the three matches for free.

Nago City Yagaji branch office

Fish grabbing contest for elementary school students is held from 15:00 to 15:30. Participants must register by 14:00 and the cost is ¥300. Participation is limited to the first 100 kids. Organizers advise participants to bring change clothes and a container to take fish home afterwards.

Mozuku seaweed is one of the marine products from Yagaji and for ¥200 anyone can pack as much of the product as they want. Packing starts at 15:30 and continues until all is gone.

16 men and 8 women can compete in the arm wrestling contest. Participants have to apply by phone before the festival by calling at 0980-52-8101. The fee to participate is ¥1,000 and the winner gets to take home a live goat.

Other events include dance and karaoke performances by preschool students, and nighttime from 18:00 to 20:00, there is karate, dance, live band and Eisa on stage.

Fireworks at 20:00 ends the festival.

There is no parking space at Nago City Yagaji branch office, and visitors should park at Yagaji Hirugi Gakuen or Sumuide community center for parking.

Free shuttle bus leaves from parking areas stating 10:00 every 30 minutes or as needed. The last bus back to the parking areas leaves at 19:45.

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