Japan Holds Annual Pig Rodeo

In what seems to be a bizarre stunt for Most Extreme Challenge and a surefire way to get on PETA’s hit list, poor unsuspecting pigs have replaced bulls in the rodeo ring in Japan.

Pig-Rodeo

Held annually in the town of Mikame, which is located in Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture in West Japan, this odd event has been going on for 26 years, with the latest installment occurring on August 13th, 2009.

It is part of the city’s Summer Festival, which is known for its esoteric games, such as “human curling,” and a fireworks show.

The pigs, born and bred in Japan, are approximately one year of age and weigh roughly 285 to 300 pounds. The contestant, perched atop the poor, unsuspecting swine, is sent into a a thirty foot ring where the terrified animal attempts to buck and bronc him or her off.

The contestant must stay on as long as possible for a chance to win 50,000 yen, which is roughly the equivalent of about $500.