Cormorants have always been deeply connected to the spiritual life of Japanese people, and there are popular beliefs that cormorants are sacred birds and that their feathers have spiritual power to ensure safe childbirth. "Ukai" is a traditional fishing method in which cormorants are tamed and used to catch sweetfish and other fish. The most famous example of this ancient method can be found in the Nagara River, Gifu Prefecture, where ukai is also used as a summer seasonal word in haiku. Cormorant fishing dates back approximately 1,300 years in Japan and was once practiced in some 150 locations across the country. Now, however, it has almost completely disappeared, except for tourist fishing.