NAHA, Japan — The sharp crack of a drum echoes across the harbor as dozens of paddles strike the water in unison, propelling brightly painted dragon boats forward with strength and rhythm.
From May 3 to 5, 2026, thousands gathered at Naha New Port Wharf for the 2026 Naha Dragon Boat Race, known locally as Naha Hari, a centuries-old tradition rooted in Okinawa’s maritime heritage.
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