Saturday 15 January 2011

Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo: Jan 15, 2011






This weekend, I witnessed a quintessential Japanese event: sumo! Many JETs flocked to Tokyo this weekend to watch the grand sumo tournament in Tokyo--the best of the best battle it out in not much more than a g-string bathing suit.

Before the battles began, all of the sumo players came into the main ring for a traditional ceremony. They wore colorful traditional robes from the waist down and clapped several times to signal the beginning of the games. A player is not allowed to see their opponent before the match began, so two sets of circles were formed before the matches began to ensure that opponents did not see their opponent before their time came. I am sure this heightens the anticipation and allows for the sumo players to either release their minds or build them up in fear...it is certainly a way to psych your opponent out!

The event was traditional and fun: the stadium is enormous, covered in tiers of seats and thousands of spectators. Instead of a quiet and serene event, the sumo matches are loud opportunities for the crowd to shout out the name of their favorite players followed by munching. It's basically like going to a live movie with popcorn--you can eat, talk freely, and watch the show! A scoreboard at the top of the stadium allowed the audience to see which pair was up next and which sumo players had won the previous matches. It was almost like a basketball game but without the players...instead it was large, muscle/gigantic men clad in skimpy sumo clothes around their loins :)

Much to my surprise, a majority of the best sumo wrestlers in Japan are from Mongolia. There were even 3 or 4 Caucasian sumo players battling it out with Japan's best. It was interesting to witness this traditional event where East really did meet West head on...

The entire sumo tournament (of the professionals) lasted for two hours. There were about 25-30 opponent teams with two men each battling it out for the win. I took many photos during the event (please see more on my facebook page) of the intense battles, traditional ceremonies, and costumes.

Before each match, the opponents bow, throw salt into the circle for purification, and stare each other down for intimidation. The entire match between two opponents might not last longer than 10 seconds, while others battle it out for 1-2 minutes. The pace is fast and exciting and the event was certainly worth the two hour train ride each way. I am so excited that I got to witness a traditional Japanese event in Tokyo.

The battle were intense to watch. Before the judge calls the match to begin, each opponent balances on one leg to show "balance" and strength. There is also a moment for the crowd to shout their favorite names and for the sumo players to pound their chests hard in excitement and anticipation. The event was certainly exhilarating and intense...enjoy the photos!

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