Sumo (相撲 sumō?) is a competitive full-contact sport where a wrestler (rikishi) attempts to force another wrestler out of a circular ring (dohyō) or to touch the ground with anything other than the soles of the feet. The sport originated in Japan, the only country where it is practiced professionally. It is generally considered to be a gendai budō (a modern Japanese martial art), though this definition is incorrect as the sport has a history spanning many centuries. Many ancient traditions have been preserved in sumo, and even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use of salt purification, from the days when sumo was used in the Shinto religion. Life as a rikishi is highly regimented, with rules laid down by the Sumo Association. Most sumo wrestlers are required to live in communal "sumo training stables" known in Japanese as heya where all aspects of their daily lives—from meals to their manner of dress—are dictated by strict tradition. (Wiki)
Sumo was AWESOME!!! We arrived there at about 11, it was over at 6. That's a LOT of Sumo wrestling!! Looking around at the people, many were napping in their chairs! Sumo in Tokyo occurs 3 times a year, Jan, May and Sep. And it lasts only 15 days. The highest ranked wrestlers (Yokozuna) compete at the end of the day. By then the crowd is pretty lively and cheering. There is a restaurant and different concession stands. Of course beer and sake are available. And you can eat in the arena. The lowest levels and most expensive seats are on the floor with a cushion. Also, many times the wrestler is knocked down and falls outside the ring or dohyo. Usually toppling over the brave seated there or photographers.
There is the referee who does a lot of "sing song" yells. The wrestlers do the rituals of clasping hands and does the leg stomping to drive away evil spirits. They then get a ladle full of water to rinse their mouths. Then back to rink, squat, clasp hands and spread wide to show there is no weapons. Then each wrestler throws salt on the rink to purify it. Each bout is usually pretty short. From a few seconds to a couple of minutes. the longest ones get the most reaction from the crowd. There were two times when the 5 judges sitting around the rink have to hold a mono-ii (literally, a talk about things). If the bout is sponsored the winner will receive an envelope of money. Berto and I really had fun watching Sumo. It was a great experience!!
Souvenirs
I'd like to hang this in the corner of our bedroom. I'm thinking with fishing line. Might need to get creative!
They sell TONS of these cell phone dangles here in a huge variety. I couldn't pass this cute one up!
