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July 31, 2014 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Bulls in the Ring
Read Here for a Chance to Win
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or hundreds of years, when the fields were sown but the harvest far from ready, Ryukyu rice farmers found time for sport and entertainment. Each village had a tôgyû-jyo, or bull ring. Ushi Ôrasê is a battle of brute strength and endurance between two hulking bulls, each weighing nearly a ton. The popularity of bullfighting continued after the reversion to Japan in 1972. There were matches nearly every week. The bulls are ranked and champions are cherished like a champion racehorse. Bullfights are similar to sumo matches in structure. The massive competitors lock horns and grap-
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ple for position as their handlers stomp and shout to spur the bulls into action. The bulls can charge ahead to push their opponent away or use their horns to flip the other off balance. The loser is the one who backs off or turns their tail. Matches can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. The champion bull is declared yokozuna and is paraded in a victory lap. If you’re interested in seeing a match sometime, catch a ride with MCCS Tours+ to the Uruma City Bullfights. For details, stop by your Tours+ office or visit us online at mccsokinawa.com/tours.
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ot to turn this into a homework assignment or anything, but it would be wise to keep a keen eye on each issue of Okinawa Living Weekly, as it could earn you a free stay for two at the YYY Club iE Resort. Located on iE Island, the YYY Club offers comfy and relaxing rooms and cottages that are only a few steps away from your day’s activities, be it jet skiing, wake boarding, SCUBA diving, sailing, golf, tennis or just working on your tan. All you have to do to get there is answer a simple question. Every Thursday on MCCS Okinawa’s Facebook (facebook.com/mccsokinawa) page we will post a trivia question about the current Okinawa Living Weekly. Private message us with your answer and if it’s correct, you will be entered into a monthly raffle to win a free overnight stay for two at the YYY Club iE Resort. Winners will be announced on Facebook on the first of every month.
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