Uwajima Bull Fighting

What to know

Uwajima is one of nine places in Japan where you can watch bull fighting. The Uwajima Bull Fights (宇和島闘牛, Uwajima Tōgyū) are held four times a year: in January, May, July, and October. Organized bull fighting at a proper venue began in the 1800s, though the tradition goes back much further.

The fighting bulls are ranked in a hierarchical system similar to sumo wrestlers, with each bull assigned a rank based on past performance. The rank names mirror those used in sumo, except the highest rank is called "champion" instead of "yokozuna." Unlike sumo, bull fighting has middleweight and heavyweight classes.

Each tournament features about ten matches at the Uwajima Bull Fighting Arena, located on a hill just above the city center. The arena has a roof, so fights can go on even in rain. Events usually start at noon and last about three hours, though they can run longer since there is no time limit per bout. The arena has a shop selling bento boxes and drinks. You can also see the bulls waiting outside the stadium before their matches.

Before each bout, the two bulls are introduced and led into the arena by their trainers. Some crowd favorites have custom theme music, adding to the spectacle. The ring announcer's stylized tone creates a lively atmosphere. A match begins when the bulls lock horns and ends when one runs away. The bull that does not flee is declared the winner. The winning bull's trainers receive a flag and a trophy to applause.

Matches can be short but typically last several minutes, sometimes over half an hour. Occasionally a bull shows no fighting spirit and is declared the loser without any action.

Uwajima Bull Fights take place at the Uwajima City Bull Fighting Arena (宇和島市営闘牛場, Uwajima Shiei Tōgyūjō), about 1.5 kilometers east of Uwajima Station. On event days, free shuttle buses run from the station to the arena between 10:00 and 12:00 before the event and back after. Free parking is available on a large unpaved lot.