Description

Togyu is an old tradition of Okinawan Japanese culture which features two bulls fighting each other to the bitter end.

Transcript

Togyu is bullfighting with a twist. In Okinawa, there is no matador. It is a bull versus bull contest of strength also known as Ushi-Zumo or Bull sumo. Togyu was started hundreds of years ago by farmers pitting their bull against each other for sport. This world tradition of the past continuous on today, folks arriving at the bullfighting ring walk by the stable where bull wait for their turn o battle. The crowd gathers under shade trees to enjoy the event. Before the first bulls lock horn, goats butts heads to entertain the arriving spectators. The bulls are led out to the ring one at a time. A schedule of events shows the line up of the day’s matches. Bulls are divided in the weight classes and the lighter bulls go first. The matches are like sumo wrestling because they are contest of strength. The point is not for the bulls to harm each other, and in fact, if the bull accidentally gores its opponent, the match is immediately over. Just like sumo wrestling, the bulls are ranked by ability with the top bull in the sport being called Yokozuna. The bulls lock horn and try to push each other backwards using all their might. The matches are punctuated with spurts of energy and excitement. Each bull has a handler that encourages it to win and these guys are half the entertainment. They stomp their feet and shout like mad men in an attempt to energize the bull. Exhausted bulls were sometimes holding their ground for several minutes while they catch their breath. The match ends when one bull grows tired and retreats from the struggle. Sometimes they submit only to reengage. The winning is drape with a cloth and the owner of the bull’s given a gift to celebrate. You can check out more videos about Okinawan culture and travel at Straycompass.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to my videos. Thanks for watching. I’m James Knott. Goodbye.