Praying for safety and a big catch, the traditional orange throwing event at Kotsubo fishing harbor/Zushi January 2nd, 2012

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1201020010/

Caption: Participants catch oranges thrown from fishing boats= 10:00AM on the morning of January 2nd, Kotsubo, Zushi City

Praying for a year of safety and good fishing with the "throwing of the oranges." A traditional New Year's event, occurring on the morning of January 2nd at Kotsubo fishing harbor in the city of Zushi. Sponsored by the Fishing Industry Union of Kotsubo, a large amount of local residents attended.

Moored at the coast were fishing boats adorned with giant flags. From there, fishermen facing the beach continuously tossed large amounts of oranges. A sweet and sour fragrance floated in the air, along with the cheers reverberating from the packed crowd.

A mother visiting with her young son from the city said "I've taken all of these," displaying a bag stuffed with oranges.

Original Text:

豊漁と安全を祈願、恒例の伝統行事「みかん投げ」小坪漁港で/逗子

2012年1月2日

漁船から投げられるミカンを受ける参加者たち＝２日午前10時ごろ、逗子市小坪

１年の豊漁と安全を祈願する正月恒例の伝統行事「みかん投げ」が２日朝、逗子市小坪の小坪漁港で開かれた。小坪漁業協同組合の主催で、大勢の地元住民でにぎわった。

大漁旗を掲げて岸に係留された漁船から、漁師が浜に向かって大量のミカンを放り投げ続けた。詰めかけた参加者の歓声が響き、港には甘酸っぱい香りが漂った。

市内から母親と訪れた男児は「いっぱい取れた」と、ミカンがぎっしり詰まった袋をみせていた。