Ole, Bullfight in Okinawa

This weekend Ishikawa, a small city to our north, held a Bullfight. Since we've heard it was a must do activity we purchased tickets earlier in the week and headed up to Ishikawa Saturday afternoon. We arrived earlier enough that we were able to park in a great parking spot just next to the sport dome. As we walked towards the event we passed the small paddocks where the bulls were being held before their fights. There was a small playground so Gabriella was able to play for a few minutes before we ventured inside the venue. Once inside we purchased a small toy bull for Gabriella, it was adorned in a fabric pattern famous here in Okinawa. Some of our friends had already arrived so after we perused the food and drink booths we moved down the bleacher seats to sit with them. Before the match they invited members of the audience down into the bullring to take pictures with one of the bulls. He was draped with a red banner and his handlers kept a close watch on him to make sure he was calm during the photos. Many people placed their children on his back or climbed up themselves for the pictures. After the photo opportunity the program began in earnest. There was a brief explanation of how the fights would work, which was acted out by four men dressed up like 2 bulls. They demonstrated the different types of movements the bulls would employ to win his fight. It is important to state that in Okinawa the bullfights take place between two bulls, their handlers are on hand to help to keep them safe and from what I could tell they do not move the bull in the fight unless they are too close to an edge or the winner has been determined. Once the explanation was complete the first Eisa drum/dance group performed some very rousing numbers. Then it was time for the first 2 bullfights. The first two fights ended in a draw and the winner was determined by audience applause. The intermission had another Eisa drum group performing. Then the final fight was set to begin. The last bull fight was much more exciting than the previous two. The bulls seemed to be in better condition which meant they were able to fight longer, this fight had a clear winner. The bullfights were very different then I imagined, without a toreador attempting to stab a bull with knives it seemed almost humane. The bulls were very well treated and seemed to enjoy sparing with each other.