“NIJYUU MURA GOU” is an area including “HIGASIYAMA” district of Ojiya, ex-“YAMAKOSHI” village and ex-“HIROKAMI” village. About 20 colonies are scattered around this area.

There are interesting customs of the mountainous area. “USHI NO TSUNO TSUKI” is one of them. “USHI” is a fighting bull and “TSUNO TSUKI” means the action of bulls striking each other with their horns.

“USHI NO TSUNO TSUKI” in this area is a religious service for peace and every fight is dedicated to natural gods. That is why they don’t settle on a winner and loser and powerful fights are always ended in a draw. We cannot find such bullfights in the world and even in Japan.

Even though there is no winner, you will notice there are some kinds of winning tricks when you visit the bullrings. “USHI NO TSUNO TSUKI” is held on the first Sunday in every month from May to November.

“USHI NO TSUNO TSUKI” is designated as a national cultural property.

参考：小千谷闘牛振興協議会

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