The Traditional Bullfights of Uruma City, Okinawa

This video, titled "Okinawa Traditional Culture- Bullfighting Village Uruma City" is a video introducing the traditional Okinawan culture and bullfighting of Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture.

Photo：View of Uruma City, Okinawa Miyagi Island from Sinugudo Banta

Okinawa is a tropical island where you can enjoy the feeling of a resort while in Japan.
In Uruma City Okinawa, there is a hidden sightseeing spot where you can see powerful bullfights.
The powerful atmosphere, comparable to authentic Spanish bullfighting, is strong enough to be felt through the video.

What Kind of Spot Is Uruma City's Bullfighting?

Source :YouTube screenshot

The bullfighting village of Uruma City, Okinawa is a rare spot where you can watch bullfights in Japan.
You can see the bullfights at the dome-shaped bullring called the Ishikawa Multipurpose Dome, which was built in 2007.

More than 20 bullfights are held annually in Bullfighting Villages, including an event where the whole island participates in bullfighting, gathering the strongest bulls from all over Okinawa.
In particular, the "All Island Bullfighting Tournament" held three times a year in spring, summer and fall is a highly anticipated event that attracts more than 4,000 spectators to determine the best bullfight in Okinawa.
Okinawan bullfighting, called "Ushiorase", has a long history and has been loved by many islanders since ancient times as a form of rural entertainment. Even if you win the tournament and become a champion, there's no prize, rather, you are fighting for honor.
At the Bullfighting Village, you can purchase tickets on the day, so there's no need to worry about purchasing in advance. You can also take a walk and visit the cattle barns (Ushikaraya) in the vicinity.

Rules and Highlights of Traditional Culture, Okinawa Bullfighting

Source :YouTube screenshot

Okinawa's bullfighting is not a style where bulls and bullfighters fight, but a one-on-one fight between cows.
A bullfighter, called a "Seko," helps to encourage the fighting spirit of the bulls through a technique called "Yagui."

The bullfighting tournament held in Uruma City has three major title matches: a lightweight class of 850 kg or less, a middleweight class of 970 kg or less, and an open weight class.
There are also rankings, similar to those of sumo wrestlers.
Okinawa bullfights have a variety of techniques, such as "oshi," "kake," "tsuki," "wari," and "haratori." These are different ways in which the bulls ram one another.
Upon seeing one of these techniques, the crowd roars with applause and cheers the bulls on.

There are various types of horns, such as Togai, Gun, Kabbler, Touchu, Hiller, Beauneue, and Hege. Depending on the style of horns, the bull may excel at attacking or defending.
The detailed horn features and bullfighting techniques are introduced at 1:21 in them video. Be sure to check it out.

The Appeal of Japanese Bullfighting

Source :This article Video

Bullfighting village Uruma has a local hero, "Traditional God Ulmer," who livens up the bullfighting culture.
A local Okinawan hero program called "Bullfighting Warrior Wide" is also very popular.
Introduced at 4:56 in the video, the local hero explains the charms of bullfighting to children.

Check out the bullfighting girl's photo book by Okinawan bullfighting photographers.
In Uruma City, many people who love bullfighting have spread the appeal of bullfighting in their respective forms.

Summary of Bullfighting Village Uruma

There are many more places to visit in Okinawa than just Shurijo Castle Park and Churaumi Aquarium.
The bullfighting village in Uruma is one of the few bullrings in Japan where you can see the traditional bullfighting culture.
In recent years, the number of local fans, tourists, and visitors to Japan has increased, and it has become a new tourist resource for Okinawa.
At the "Uruma Festival" held in autumn, you can watch a bullfighting tournament for free.

Feel the power of the bullfight in this video!
Be sure to go sightseeing in the bullfighting village of Uruma to experience the bullfights, a traditional culture that will make for a unique experience.
Be sure to check the bullfighting schedule on the official website.

◆ Ishikawa Multipurpose Dome Bullring Facility Overview ◆
【Address】 2298-1 Ishikawa, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture
【Hours】 Hours vary by event.
【Closures】Irregular holidays (varies by event)
【Access】About 50 minutes from Naha Airport using the Naha Airport Expressway, about 2 minutes from Ishikawa Interchange
【Parking】Available. 130 free parking spaces
【Phone number】Uruma City Tourism Division 098-965-5634