Tarai-bune

A tarai-bune on the shore with its paddle

A tarai-bune (Japanese: たらい舟), or tub-turned boat, is a traditional Japanese fishing boat found mainly on Sado Island and used for catching abalone and other mollusks. The design originated from need to fish in the narrow coves formed by earthquakes.

In popular culture

Tarai Bune boats have appeared in:

• Spirited Away, animated movie
• Skies of Arcadia, video game by Sega
• Tales of Symphonia, video game by Bandai Namco
• Tides, video game by Shallot Games

External links

• Tarai Bune of Sado Island
• Article about saving the tub-turned boat by teaching children how to use them