In one town in Japan, people who face bad luck this year according to the lunar calendar have a special way of chasing away misfortune – making fish drink sake.

The ritual has been conducted in this coastal region of Japan for over 200 years.

Carp were chosen for the ceremony because they are strong and healthy fish that live long lives.

After being given a stiff shot of sake, the fish are released back into the river.

The carp are completely unharmed, but some bystanders report seeing the carp having trouble swimming straight.