Sabani, the Okinawan wooden boat and the history of Uminchu

The hidden tradition of Okinawa. What is a “Fukaki Sabani”?

Known for large catch of tuna and squid, Itoman Port is the only port in Okinawa to be designated as a specific third-kind fishing port (ports that are especially important for the development of marine-product industry). With numerous Roadside Stations(Michinoeki) and restaurants throughout the city, it is recognized by many people as the place for enjoying fresh and delicious seafood.
Fukaki Sabani is a traditional handcraft remaining in the "City of Uminchu".

The successful history of Itoman Uminchu

A Fukaki Sabani of a Itoman Hagi (Hon Hagi) sailing through the sea (Photo Courtesy: Itoman Fukaki Sabani Promotion Association)

In the past, the Itoman area flourished as a fishing town since the period when Okinawa was known by its former name, Ryukyu Kingdom.
A historical document of that time remains, describing the Ryuku Wang Fu accepting envoys sent from the Chinese Dynasty called Sakuho-shi, and the fishermen of Itoman being ordered to gather fish and shellfish to present them.
It is said that even the Wang Fu acknowledged these Itoman Uminchu to be "knowing everything about the sea".

Furthermore, numerous records back then shows the Itoman Uminchu rescuing people lost in the sea time. From these facts, you can tell how widespread their fishery site was, along with an image of the vigorous and brave Itoman Uminchu sailing through the rough seas causing accidents at sea.  

The word “Peoples of the Sea” is shown on a flag raised before the start of the Great Tug of War in Itoman, held every year on August 15th (old calendar)

Up until today, land reclamation has been done repeatedly, mainly in the western region of Itoman.
Many people migrated to Itoman during this process, from those living in nearby rural villages, and others from Naha region aiming to start a new business in Itoman.
As time went on, the City of Uminchu became more and more crowded.

What is a “Sabani”?

”Itoman Harley” is a traditional event taking place at the Itoman Port, annually on May 4th(old calendar)

Sabani refers to the boat used by Uminchu.
As for the origin of the word "Sabani", the most dominant opinion is from the idea that it's a combination of two Okinawan words, "N-ni" or "Buni" meaning a boat, along with "Saba" standing for sharks. By combining them, we come up with "Sabanni", meaning "boat used for shark fishing", which was later on shortened to today’s pronunciation, "Sabani".
Back then, Uminchu went out fishing using the "Fukaki Sabani", which sailed through the ocean by putting up a sail to catch the wind, and using paddles called wakes, to row and advance the boat.

Looking back into the history of Itoman Uminchu during the Ryukyu Kingdom, a Sabani called "Marukinni", built by hollowing out an entire tree trunk was used. However, since large trees are needed for the manufacturing of Marukinni, it was prohibited later on due to shipbuilding restrictions.
After the Haihan-chiken (abolition of feudal domains and the establishment of prefectures) at around 1880 and the Ryukyu Kingdom became the Okinawa prefecture, Kame Uehara of Itoman created a prototype of a boat from a cedar board used for flooring. Kanehara Toku, who was formerly a Marukinni craftsman added improvements to it, and a boat called "Haginni" was born. This boat has been passed on by several generations, and is recognized as the original form of today's traditional Sabani, "Itoman Hagi (Hon Hagi)".

Other than the Itoman Hagi, it is said that a total of three types of Haginni exists, which are "Nanyou Hagi", and "Nakama Hagi (Ainukuu)", each differenciated by the construction method.
Out of the three, the Itoman Hagi was the all-time favorite choice for the Uminchu, as it shows high performance when sailing through rough ocean waves. In addition to that, it even has great maneuverability in shallow water, along with high endurance. 

Riding smoothly through large waves with the sails hoisted, not only is the Fukaki Sabani of Itoman Hagi high in functionality, but the breathtaking scenery of the boats floating through the beautiful ocean of Okinawa is regarded as a traditional artwork, which resonates directly to people's heart.

According to historical materials after the Meiji period, it is said that the Itoman Uminchu expanded their scope of activity in search of fishing spots, reaching out to the Yaeyama region, Taiwan, and the Kyushu area.
This expansion continues even further, in an attempt to achieve success and wealth through opening up new abroad fishing spots such as the South Sea Islands, Philippine Islands, and Singapore.

The Itoman Uminchu expanded their areas of activity on the sea
A longing toward the brave and high-spirited Itoman Uminchu who shared their lives with the sea.
The history of fishermen from a small island country of "Ryukyu", challenging the wilderness of the open sea with their body alone was not a well-known, yet unique and interesting story of Okinawa.

However, engine-equipped boats and the advent of FRP(Fiber Reinforced Plastic) replaced the existing traditional sailboats over time and became mainstream, resulting in a hold back for the  Uminchu to use the wooden Sabani.

Throughout their history, Itoman Uminchu has expanded their active fields across numerous waters.
From here on, we will feature on the "Fukaki Sabani", the small wooden boat which brought about a great epoch among the Uminchu

The traditional skill handed down by the craftsmen

"Fukaki Sabani" is the only small wooden sailing boat left in Japan.
As of now, these boats are not used for fishing, thus the number of active Sabani craftsmen has decreased to a degree where one hand would be enough to count them all.
Among them, the Sabani shipwright Kiyoshi Oshiro and his apprentice Kazuaki Takara are the only ones who inherit the cultivated skills to build the original "Itoman Hagi" used by the Itoman Uminchu.

Mr. Kiyoshi Oshiro, the Sabani carpenter

There are no blueprints for building a Sabani, meaning all skills must be learned through experience.
The "Haginni" created by the shipwright Toku Kaneshiro during the Meiji era became the "Itoman Hagi", and the traditional skill has been passed down from the craftsmen to their disciples through the years up until today.

How the only boat in Japan built "Without a Single Screw" is made

Let's look into the features in the production process of the Itoman Hagi.

Mr. Kiyoshi Oshiro and his disciple Mr. Kazuaki Takara(Photo Courtesy: Itoman Fukaki Sabani Promotion Association)

The curves of the Sabani is produced by actually bending a wooden board, therefore a strong and flexible cedar from Miyazaki known as the "Obisugi" is said to be the best fit for this purpose.
The process begins by creating the boat's side part(Harakeegi), from lining up two long Obisugi boards and bending them gradually whilst pouring boiling water.
Pressure will be applied carefully on the boards so that the curves become symmetrical.
During this procedure, decisions such as the amount of pressure applied, the quantity of hot water, and how to shape and curve the board are all made based on the Sabani carpenter’s experience.
This bending of the cedar boards is a big feature among the building of an Itoman Hagi.

A curve is created by pouring boiling hot water on the side board of the boat(Photo Courtesy: Itoman Fukaki Sabani Promotion Association)

Coming up next is the hollowing out of the timber, which will later be used for the boat's bottom(Sukujii).
Using a plane, the timber will be shaved from the inside to form shapes, which is a feature remaining from the building methods of the Marukinni.

The optimal shape is formed through the skills acquired from long experience(Photo Courtesy: Itoman Fukaki Sabani Promotion Association)

Once the side(Harakeegi) and the bottom(Sukujii) of the boat are completed, small adjustments will be made so that they will fit perfectly upon assembling.
Any gaps will be filled through the process of inserting a saw between the two boards, and grinding them against each other.

Adjusting the side and the bottom of the boat to fit(Photo Courtesy: Itoman Fukaki Sabani Promotion Association)

Then, it will be joined together by using a bonding material made from wood called "Funlu (Fundu)", and bamboo nails called "Lukugi".
This is how a well made boat is built. The appearance is so smooth and even looking, to the extent of it making us feel as if it was made from a single board.

The fact that only wooden materials are used when joining the two boards, is another important feature of the Itoman Hagi Sabani.
Avoiding any sort of metals such as screws, prevents the boat from rusting and thus enhances its durability.

The Funlu used for joining cedar boards is made from wood(Photo Courtesy: Itoman Fukaki Sabani Promotion Association)

The driving force of the sail is maximized by the perfect curve and balance of the boat, allowing it to ride powerfully through the high waves of the open sea, as well as sailing efficiently on days when the wind is low.
Don't forget that this masterpiece is created by using only the artisan's experience and pure sense, making the precise and beautiful skill of the Sabani carpenter seem even more beyond human power.
Granted with the perfect utility and functionality, you can say that the Sabani was a traditional craft destined to support the Itoman Uminchu, so that they can achieve success through their challenge beyond the sea of Okinawa.

Sabanis of Itoman Hagi showing no sign of water leakage and damage after being used for many years/small>