Japan's bullfight with 1000 years history

Yamakoshi region in Nagaoka city, Niigata prefecture has a long tradition of bullfight event. Its history goes back to more than 1000 years in time. Unlike other bullfights, no harm is caused for the bulls and it is rather a peaceful and bloodless fight between two strong-spirited bulls to show off their strengths and skills. This bullfight event has been an amusement to the local people and carried out as a dedication to the village shrine for generations. <div

The history of Yamakoshi's bullfight event

Yamakoshi is the only region in Japan with a 1000 years history of bullfight tradition. In fact, the bullfight or "Tsunotsuki" of this region is the only bullfight in Japan that has been selected as the nation significant intangible folk cultural asset. Back in the time when the machines weren't developed as they are today, bulls provided a lot of help with carrying luggage and farm works. In fact, owning bulls were considered as one of the valuable possessions at that time. There are few theories about the origin of the bullfight. Some says the tradition of bullfight came from China or from the Ainu people, other says it came from the immigrants who live there. Although the origin of this bull sport is not clear, it has been considered a status of a Shinto religion ritual, dedicating to the shrine of the village.

The fight with no victory or defeat

Rich in history and loved by the locals for centuries aren't the only special things about this bullfight. The unique characteristic about this bullfight is that there is no determination of victory or defeat. Both of the bulls give off their power at best to wrestle and push each other around the ring until they lose their strengths and stop their movement and that's when the match is drawn. No win or not, what makes the match exciting is the expression of power and dominance. Unlike other seasonal events, the bullfight is a flexible event as it held throughout the months between May to November so that will give you a plenty of time to visit and experience this unique tradition event.

Recent rule change for equality and better future

Until recently, only men handlers were allowed within the bull fight ring to lead the bullfights and coaching them while women’s responsibility was to purify the ring with Japanese sake and salt at the beginning of a game. But with recent #MeToo and equality activities, Yamakoshi bullfight organisations have lifted this prohibition and allowed the first female owner Yuki Arai to enter the ring in Yamakoshi with her animal at the opening day of this season, breaking the gender stereo-type and creating a history better future with equality for the Yamakoshi bullfight.

Discover more at the surroundings of Yamakoshi

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While you are visiting Yamakoshi region, rice terrace "Tanada" of the village should also be on your list. Not just witnessing how the delicious Japanese rice are being made but you will be delighted with a view of water-filled terrace acting as mirrors reflecting each season's beauty, especially during sunrise or sunset time. Yamakoshi region is also known for production of Japanese black beef, which you can try at the local restaurants.

How to visit?

http://www.japan-nishikigoi.org/tsunotsuki_e.html
http://voyapon.com/bull-fighting-yamakoshi-niigata/
http://enjoyniigata.com/en/detail/page/detail/4938
http://www.yamakoshi.org/culture/culture03/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/05/05/japan-bullfighting-lifts-men-only-rule/
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44015286