A goldfish scooping competition was held on August 18 in Yamatokoriyama, one of Japan’s major goldfish producing cities.

The city in Nara Prefecture, western Japan, started the event to advertise their goldfish and energize the region. This year marks the 29th competition.

Around 1,700 participants from around the country came to catch as many goldfish as they can with a thin paper scoop in the allotted time.

The competition is split into 3 categories: one for elementary and middle schoolers, one for older age groups, and one for teams.

S/ Participant/ The goldfish were so lively that I couldn’t get the results I wanted. I plan on preparing better and trying again next year.

Individual contestants are commended up to 10th place and teams up to 5th place.