People in the city of Nagaoka in Niigata Prefecture, central Japan, held the final day of a traditional bullfight this year on Friday.

The district of Yamakoshi holds 11 events during the bullfighting season from May to November.

Twenty-six bulls, each weighing around a ton, took part in the year's final event.

The fight involves two bulls that lock horns in a battle of strength, while their handlers loudly urge them on. The bouts always end in a draw so that the animals are not injured.

The organizer said the event drew more visitors than last year, totaling about 8,000. Japanese authorities lifted all anti-coronavirus restrictions in May.

A man in his 60s from Tokyo said the bullfights were impressive and that he was glad he came.

Matsui Tomie, who heads Yamakoshi's bullfighting association, said that next year local people will mark the 20th anniversary of the Niigata Chuetsu earthquake, which severely damaged Yamakoshi. He expressed hope that many visitors will come to the area to help it recover from the disaster.