Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Known as Tōgyū or Ushi-zumō (
闘牛大会
; “bull sumo”), it's tough, potenially dangerous and
probably poliically incorrect but it's popular on Okinawa and especially so on Tokunoshima. It's a
match between bull and bull. Thus, it really has nothing to do with Spanish, Portuguese or Mexican
bullfighting where the contest is between man and bull and which, in many cases, ends in the bull's
death. Okinawan bullighing, as it's oten called, is more like Sumo wrestling for bulls. The animals
are guided by their coaches. Bulls will lock horns, push and shove one another, each atempting to
force the other to yield. The match is over when either bull relents or ires, then withdraws. Great
care is taken so that bulls are not harmed. Should a bull be gored, the contest is immediately stopped
and the bull is given medical aid.
The Mushiroze volcanic rock formations.
A view of the East China Sea from Cape Inutabu.
