The following is an article for 2020. (Tosa’s “Okyaku” in 2020 has been cancelled.)
The Okyaku of Tosa
In Tosa-ben (Kochi Prefecture’s local dialect) a party is called “okyaku” meaning “guest”. The streets of Kochi become the venue for these “okyaku” and the event is like a large banquet.
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These started in 2006, and 2020 marks their 15th year.
The Okyaku of Tosa is a big festival taking place once a year watched over by the god of Tosa sake (Japanese alcohol) “bero-bero”, and is an immersive experience in Kochi’s food and drink culture. |

The reason behind calling these parties the Okyaku of Tosa is to declare them as sacred places for people to enjoy drinking. |
Kochi, the country of sake: declarations for the scared place of sake
- Once a year, those who can drink alcohol, both old and young, men and women, should pay homage to bero-bero, the god of Kochi, the country of sake.
- Friendships are made through the exchanging of sake cups. Year after year, friends should exchange sake cups with each other.
- Feast till you are full and empty your cup to the good fortune of the mountains, rivers, land and sea of Tosa.
- Occasionally, debating about the affairs of the world late into the night and getting fired up about it is good for you.
- Heavy drinking is unnecessary; however you should drink throughout the evening, stay healthy, and drink enough to be in good spirits.
7 March (Sat)
8 March (Sun)
14 March (Sat)
15 March (Sun)
Staff will be at the venue to assist you.
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