What is “Uraja” that makes Okayama so exciting?

What is “Uraja”?

``Uraja'' was born from the Momotaro legend, which has been passed down in Okayama Prefecture since ancient times and depicts the battle between Kibitsuhiko no Mikoto, who is said to be the model for Momotaro, and Ura, the demon god. One theory is that the word ``Ura'', which is said to have contributed to the development of Kibi Province and is still revered today, was combined with ``~ja'' in the Okayama dialect, making the word familiar to Okayama. We hope that ``Uraja'' will spark an interest in local history and culture, and that we will develop people who can take action for the sake of their community. ``Uraja'', which incorporates such wishes, was cultivated among the citizens as a culture unique to Okayama with the theme of ``coexistence and harmony,'' and year by year it became a major movement and its meaning expanded.

Kibitsuhiko and Ura (PDF)

“Uraja” goes out into the world

``Uraja'' began as an event in 1994 with the hope of becoming an opportunity for community development, people development, and happiness. At that time, it was held independently as the autumn festival "Uraja" in Okayama City. Since 2001, the ``Uraja'' event has been held in the summer as part of the ``Okayama Momotaro Festival,'' a major event held every year in the center of Okayama City.

The history of “Uraja”

[Photo: 2010 poster]

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the ``Uraja'' event, which began with the ``Soodori'' dance in which dancers, audience members, and stage staff come together to perform a dance to return Ura's soul to the heavens. It is run mainly by the citizens themselves, and mostly by volunteer staff. ``Uraja'' has become established in Okayama as a citizen-participatory festival with a story rooted in Okayama's region, culture, and history. In recent years, many dancers not only from within Okayama city and the prefecture but also from outside the prefecture participate every year, and now it is said that ``summer is ``Uraja'''', and ``Uraja'' has become a summer tradition that represents Okayama City. It is one of the.

"Uraja" spreads

[Photo: 2015 poster]

---We also want to try "Uraja"! Various activities of ``Uraja'' expanded to various places. As a result, ``Odoriren'' were born one after another to express ``Uraja'' as a team. Participating members range in age and range from local children's groups, company club activities, and groups from a wide range of generations, from children to adults. The number of "Uraja" entries for the "Okayama Momotaro Festival" has continued to increase year by year.

“Uraja” has a variety of charms

[2016 Poster]

The dynamic scenes of the ``Uraja'' dance troupe are also broadcast live on local cable TV ``Oni Vision.'' Each dance troupe has its own unique dance and costumes, and even when you watch the video, you will be overwhelmed by its power. On the day of the event, don't miss the "Ura Makeup" where the dancers used makeup to look like demons! On the day of the festival, there will be booths where visitors can try out Ura makeup, and both dancers and spectators can enjoy wearing Ura makeup.

City Hall Suji

The photo is of Shiyakusho-suji, one of the most exciting places in the summer, where Uraja performances are broadcast on TV. It is a main street that leads straight from Okayama Station (Korakuen Exit) to Okayama City Hall, and you can see Okayama City Hall at the end. ♪ Sunny skies, the land of Kibi - Uraja Uraja Uraja ♪ You can almost hear the familiar tone of "Uraja".

“Uraja” is a manhole!

"Local manholes" are now popular all over the country, and in the summer of 2020, "Uraja Manhole" appeared on this main street. The colorful manhole covers, which are bright and stand out even on the street, are installed at six locations along City Hall Street. In 2020, works for ``Uraja Manhole'' were solicited from citizens of Okayama Prefecture, and three works were selected from the ``elementary school student'', ``junior high school student'', and ``adult'' categories. Let's take a walk through the ``Uraja Manhole,'' which features the award-winning design.

“Uraja Manhole” Elementary school student category winning entry

This is the winning entry for the "elementary school student category." The work is hand-drawn in tasteful colors, and the brave dancing figure and the word ``Oni'' (lit. ``Oni'') give off a sense of strength.

“Uraja Manhole” Award-winning work for junior high school, high school, and university students

The winning entries for the "Junior High School and University Students Division" stood out for their crisp, clear colors. Her cheerful smile is wonderful.

“Uraja Manhole” Adult Category Award-Winning Work

Click here for the winning entries in the "Adult Division". A three-dimensional and elaborate design with many elements of "Uraja" packed into a circle. Ura's kind smile conveys the love that the people of Okayama have for her.

"Uraja Manhole" is installed only here in Okayama city, along the city hall street. If you come here, you can remember the vibrancy and dynamism of Uraja all year round. And if you come to Okayama, be sure to check this out too! Manholes with Momotaro designs can be found all over central Okayama City.

The evolution of “Uraja” continues

[2019 Poster]

``Uraja'' has grown to be loved by Okayama citizens and is now spreading to people outside the prefecture. It has permeated Okayama City as a culture, and I think it will continue to evolve widely and deeply.

[Image provided by: Uraja Promotion Association]

Okayama Momotaro Matsuri (Festival)

10 Saiwaicho, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 700-0903

Performed by dancers made up as ogres, Uraja is very famous. The climax of the festival is a dance that includes everyone, organizers and vi...