It was hard to believe that I was actually seeing the Entering Ceremony of the Makanouchi, the top division sumo wrestlers wearing their heavy, ornate ceremonial aprons. But, there I was, October 20, 2017, in Tokyo, at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan stadium sitting in a box seat on a tatami mat close to the action, thanks to the connections of a generous Japanese friend who escorted me and his lovely daughter there.
3,000 sumo fans filled the stadium and cheered for their favorites as each top-division rikishi (wrestler) was announced, ascended and circled the dohyo, the ring.
3,000 sumo fans filled the stadium and cheered for their favorites as each top-division rikishi (wrestler) was announced, ascended and circled the dohyo, the ring.
I have been a true fan of Sumo for only a couple of years. Thanks to NHK World T.V. coverage, I am able to watch and learn, and enthusiastically choose my favorite wrestlers: Harumafuji, the top level Yokozuna from Mongolia (who will go on after this day #12 to win the Grand Tournament championship in an exciting tie-breaking match with Goeido. I will see another fave, Takayasu, and Ura and Ishiura, younger smaller wrestlers with speed and incredible skill, and Kotoshogiku, whose signature pre-match back bend elicits a lot of delight from the crowd.
At the beginning of my becoming a fan, I kept a written record of the matches and noted the winning kimarite, the technique. I am still learning to spot and name them. Matches last but a few seconds, and my eye is not trained to take in all that is played out. Generally, though, it is just plain entertaining to watch two 350+ men crash into each other with the force of 2 Gs, and try to outmaneuver the other with intelligence, speed, open hand slaps, grappling belly bumps, thrusting and belt throws, whether I can remember the correct names in Japanese or not.
Japan’s National Sport was begun as entertainment during the fall festivals of thanksgiving for the rice harvest at Shinto shrines 1500 years ago. Eventually it became so popular that it rose to be the central event. The wrestlers are naked, save for a thick woven silk belt called a mawashi wrapped around their waist and up between their legs. The tournament is considered a sacred event with many rituals carried over from ancient times in order to connect with the gods, offer thanksgiving, to purify the fighting space, and demonstrate that there are no weapons involved.
Japan’s National Sport was begun as entertainment during the fall festivals of thanksgiving for the rice harvest at Shinto shrines 1500 years ago. Eventually it became so popular that it rose to be the central event. The wrestlers are naked, save for a thick woven silk belt called a mawashi wrapped around their waist and up between their legs. The tournament is considered a sacred event with many rituals carried over from ancient times in order to connect with the gods, offer thanksgiving, to purify the fighting space, and demonstrate that there are no weapons involved.
The skill required, and the fame and fortune a top challenger earns, has attracted men from other countries to come to Japan. Mongolia and Hawaii, have produced some legendary competitors. The winner of this particular tournament, Harumafuji, is a 33 year old from Mongolia. He was the 70th Yokuzuna, at the top of the top division. I will see him compete on this day, as the only Yokuzuna who was well enough to be able to compete. The other 3—two of whom were born in Mongolia, and the first Japanese Yokuzuna in years, Kisenosato, were out injured.
The next Grand Tournament begins tomorrow in Fukuoka.
I will be watching the 15 days of matches, continuing to learn, continuing to enjoy, and be warmed by the memories of actually being there, in person.
The next Grand Tournament begins tomorrow in Fukuoka.
I will be watching the 15 days of matches, continuing to learn, continuing to enjoy, and be warmed by the memories of actually being there, in person.
HARUMAFUJI (R), became the Grand Champion in the Septembet Basho
