Tuna cutting show is a popular attraction at fishing port festivals that requires skill and a sharp knife.

Tomari Iyumachi Fish Market is a place where shopkeepers and restaurant chefs go every day in search of the freshest fish on Okinawa, to prepare for the day’s meals, but this weekend, with Sunday being the Fathers’ Day, the market is inviting dads and families to come check out the fish, and have some fun celebrating the Fathers’ Day at the same time.

Fisheyes are actually considered a delicacy in Japan.

The Tomari Iyumachi Fathers’ Day Tuna Festival is a two-day event, taking place on Saturday from 10:00 to 16:30 p.m. and Sunday until 19:00. The market is located in Minatomachi, Naha City, Map: http://goo.gl/maps/hk18S. Admission to the weekend event is free. The event is organized by the Okinawa Fresh Fish Distribution, Inc.

Tomari Fishing Port is one of the biggest and busiest fishing ports on Okinawa. They sell fresh seafood every day from 6 a.m. at their 24 stores in the Tomari Iyumachi building. They also operate a restaurant, which is very popular with local people.

The highlight of the festival is the show of cutting a giant tuna on both days.  There’s also live music and a lottery event where one can win gorgeous prizes like a 60kg of Japanese rice and hotel stay tickets. To take part in the lottery requires ¥1,500 worth of purchases at the venue, including fish at he market.

Iyumachi fish market sells fish of every color daily from 6 a.m.

As a charity event, a big glass-bottom boat ‘Orca’ offers rides for visitors wanting to see underwater vistas off the port without getting their feet wet. The cost for the glass-bottom boat rides are very reasonable ¥500 per person and the proceeds of the rides will be donated to local social welfare organizations. Orca accepts up to 160 passengers on each ride and reservations can be made at the port two hours prior to departures on Sunday.

The stores in Tomari Iyumachi Fish Market are open from 6:00 to 18:00.

Parking space at the port is very limited, and organizers advise visitors to use public transportation or search for toll parking lots near the event site.

Event program;

Saturday

11:00~ Opening
15:00~ Tuna cutting show, mock auction and sale

Sunday
10:00~ Tuna speed-cutting contest
13:45~14:45 Orca glass-bottom boat cruising (¥500/person)
15:00~ Giant tuna cutting show, mock auction and sale
17:00~18:00 Orca glass-bottom boat cruising (¥500/person)
18:00~19:00 Mistta Children music live

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