Sumo in Tokyo

Sumo in Tokyo is one of the coolest things you can do in Japan. It’s a real cultural experience. This time around I went with Aya and her parents. We also had a couple of friends go that we bought tickets for, but unfortunately we couldn’t get the seats together so we were all in groups of two. Fortunately we were in sections right next to each other.

For many years the yokozuna has not been a Japanese person and it has been interesting to see the wrestlers from different countries. We saw two Yokozuna wrestle in the final match, Hakuho and Kakuryu both from Mongolia. Many come from central asian countries as well as Mongolia. A few from farther afield. One of the contenders at the match was an Egyptian.

The thing about sumo I really like is the anticipation and the shinto ritual proceeding the clash. The crowd is quiet, but occasionally gets riled up for a favorite contender. Two men, throwing salt and slapping bellies, plod around the ring until the moment both are completely ready and then BAM. Usually within a matter of 10 seconds the match is over and then its another 5-10 minutes before the next contenders clash.

All the while there are ads for sponsors, bouts for cash prizes, the girls with kegs on their backs shouting to sell you a beer and the Japanese people around you shuffling programs and eating squid. Its grand and I look forward to the next time as well.