Foreign residents in the western Japanese prefecture of Ehime joined a unique local event -- riding in a large bucket on the water.



The event was held at a pool in Masaki Town on Tuesday, with the aim of teaching foreign residents about local culture. Fifteen people from 10 countries took part.



Instructors first demonstrated the basics of propelling the oversized "hangiri" bucket in the pool. A hangiri is a round, wooden tub traditionally used for fishing in the area.



The participants tried their best to move the bucket by rocking it vigorously -- with varying degrees of success. Some of them quickly lost their balance and fell into the water. There was a lot of laughter.



One woman from Argentina said, "I had so much fun, but it was difficult to keep my balance." She said it was the first time for her to ride in a hangiri bucket, but she hopes to join the event again.



A South Korean participant who lives in the prefectural capital said, "I thought I knew Matsuyama, but I didn't know much about other areas in the prefecture, so I want to join events like this to learn more."