The seasonal rains have let up for a moment, and the boat glides along the river.
It slices through the waters as we row. On and on it goes.
Our brows are bound with headbands, our palms are sweaty. Behind us cheers resound.
Together we strain upstream through the flying spray toward the goal.
We shout in unison as the boat swerves.

There’s that girl again, among the swaying pines on the bank. Time to give it our all!

Note: The Oshikurago, the traditional Japanese boat race held in the Tamaeura district of Hagi, is one of the city’s big attractions. (Oshikurago refers specifically to a boat race in which traditional Japanese-style boats, each carrying several crewmembers, are propelled along by means of a scull and oars.) The boats are manned by youths in twisted headbands and loincloths, who send the silver spray flying with the beat of their oars, shouting in rhythm to each stroke. It’s truly a nail-biting race!