Discover the “Yoshita!” chant and the tradition of ending in a draw at Ojiya Bull-Butting

A tradition from Echigo that is about more than deciding a winner

As handlers call “Yoshita!”, the bulls charge and clash. Along with the power of the bouts, take in the atmosphere as the bulls’ movements and the handlers’ calls come together.

In Echigo bull-butting, bouts generally end in a draw rather than producing a winner. Instead of focusing only on the result, you can watch the action and observe the tradition of leaving the outcome undecided.

The practice of ending in a draw is said to be linked either to the event’s religious nature or to preserving the bulls’ fighting spirit. Knowing this background helps reveal that not deciding a winner is itself a distinctive feature of the event.

The official website describes bull-butting as a traditional culture bringing together the bulls, their handlers and the local community, and identifies it as a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Its place as an event preserved by the community is another point to bear in mind as you watch.

The website notes that bull-butting is mentioned in Nansō Satomi Hakkenden, written by Takizawa Bakin in the late Edo period. Learning about both this reference in a literary work and the event’s continuing place in the community today offers a glimpse into its history.

Check same-day tickets and what to bring before heading to the Ojiya Bullfighting Arena

The event runs from 12:00 to 15:00 on November 1, 2026. If you plan to attend, arrange your visit around these hours.

Admission is ¥2,000 for adults, and tickets are available only on the day. Admission is free for junior high school students and younger, as well as for wheelchair users and one accompanying person. The stated seating capacity is approximately 1,500 uncovered seats and 450 covered seats.

Bring your own groundsheet. The venue is the Ojiya Bullfighting Arena (2453 Oguriyama, Ojiya, Niigata Prefecture). Check the access information on the official website before setting out.