Photo/Illutration Swimmers show off a traditional style in Usuki, Oita Prefecture, that allows them to write on paper using ink and brush on Jan. 3. (Kei Kobayashi)

USUKI, Oita Prefecture--Fifteen hardy individuals between the ages of 12 and 60 demonstrated a swimming technique born in the age of the samurai by braving the frigid waters here Jan. 3 to display their finely honed skills.

They took the plunge at Keireigahama beach here in an event to highlight the various techniques of the Usuki Yamauchi-style of swimming that is said to have been developed about two centuries ago.

To reflect the fact that the style originated among samurai warriors, a main pillar of the technique is to tread water. This allows the individual free use of his hands, which in bygone days meant shooting arrows or holding a spear in combat.

While the martial aspects of the swimming style have waned, the swimmers initially began treading water so they could do calligraphy. They wrote the character for the name of their swimming style using ink and brush.

A few members then trod water while holding up flags. One flag measuring 4 meters high and 2.5 meters wide said "Yamauchi-style" while another measuring 2.5 meters high and 2 meters wide had the first character for the current Reiwa Era that began on May 1 last year with the ascension of Naruhito as emperor.

The members then displayed their skills using the traditional swimming style.

A 12-year-old junior high school student said, "It was much colder than I imagined, but I felt a sense of accomplishment after completing the swim."

The members of the swimming school are now practicing for an even bigger event this spring when they will be called on to use their traditional swimming skills to carry the Olympic torch along the relay within Oita Prefecture that will have to be carried over the water in Usuki.