Uwajima Ushi-Oni Festival

The Warei Taisai Uwajima Ushi-Oni Festival is an annual summer event held in the city of Uwajima, located in the Ehime Prefecture. While there are different theories about its origins, one popular belief is that the festival dates back to the second Siege of Jinju in 1593, which occurred during the first Japanese invasion of Korea. This festival, which runs from July 22nd to 24th every year, features a variety of cultural and artistic displays, with one of the main highlights being the Ushi-Oni float. This impressive construction, with a bull's head and a fearsome oni-demon face, is a spectacular sight to behold and an iconic symbol of the festival.

Ushi-Oni Parade

The ushi-oni floats, which are a key feature of the Warei Taisai Uwajima Ushi-Oni Festival, are impressive bamboo frame constructions that can range from 5 to 6 meters in size. These floats are adorned with palm or red fur and are designed to resemble the torso of a cow, complete with a long neck and a tail that is shaped like a sword. Each community participating in the parade brings its own ushi-oni float. The parade is a lively affair, accompanied by takebora flutes, taiko drums, and the enthusiastic shouts of the participants. During the festival, the dance of ushi-oni involves shaking the float's head, which is believed to have a purifying effect. One of the highlights of the festival is the ushi-oni fight, which is also a popular attraction. In addition to the large floats, there are also miniature versions of the ushi-oni carried by children, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Carnival

The Warei Taisai Uwajima Ushi-Oni Festival features a variety of exciting events, including the Uwajima Gaiya Carnival. During this event, participants dressed in vibrant and coloumarful costumes perform dynamic dances while playing traditional musical instruments.

Uwajima Dance Tournament

In addition to the carnival, the festival also includes the Uwajima Dance Tournament, which is another popular attraction. Here, dancers compete to showcase their skills and creativity in a variety of traditional dances. The tournament adds to the festive atmosphere of the event and is enjoyed by both participants and spectators alike.

Fireworks

The Warei Taisai Uwajima Ushi-Oni Festival is well-known for its breathtaking fireworks displays, which are a highlight of the event. These displays are held over two consecutive nights and are a popular attraction among festival-goers. One of the unique aspects of the fireworks is that they are launched over the sea, providing a stunning backdrop to the colorful explosions in the sky. The displays are meticulously choreographed to music and feature a variety of stunning pyrotechnic effects, making for a truly unforgettable experience.