Two giant bulls push each other. The sounds of loud breaths and crashing horns surround the fight ring. Uwajima has the long tradition of bullfight. You can see not only the powerful bulls but also the strong relationship between the bull and its trainer.
Enormous bulls appear and attack each other
Uwajima is located in Ehime Prefecture in Shikoku where is the Southern part of Japan. The bullfight has been the popular entertainment for local people. Today, the tournament is held five times a year and people from other prefectures come and see this dynamic fights.
Each match is surrounded by the alive atmosphere
Bulls are categorized as the rank similar to Sumo. Before the match, two bulls are introduced and walked into the ring. They are wearing the special cloth and their magnificent appearances are real fighters. The bout lasts as long as possible unless one bull runs away from the competitor. It usually starts at noon and takes for 2 to 3 hours. Power is one of the winning factors but bull trainers teach their bulls techniques so bulls can show skills during the fight.
Trainers playimportant roles during the bout
Each one trainer is allowed to enter the ring and stay with the bull during the bout. The trainer is called "Seko". "Seko" cheers the bull and the bull responds it. Seko takes care of bulls everyday and teaches how to fight so their relationships are tied strongly. The bonding of bulls and humans is also another highlight of bullfights. After the tournament is over, the audience can go to the ring and touch bulls too. These bulls are normally calm when they are not in the fight mode, so this will be the good chance to see them closely.
How to visit?
From Tokyo, it is about 80 minutes to get Matsuyama Airport by an airplane. From Matsuyama Airport, take the airport limousine bus for 15 minutes and get off at Matsuyama Station. From Matsuyama Station, take the JR express train called Uwakai for 80 minutes and get off at Uwajima Station. On the tournaments days there are free shuttle buses between Uwajima Station and the Uwajima City Bull Fighting Arena.
Address: 496-2 Warei-cho, Uwajima City, Ehime 798-0012.
Tel：+81-(0)895-22-3934
Address: 496-2 Warei-cho, Uwajima City, Ehime 798-0012.
Tel：+81-(0)895-22-3934
