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| sumo wrestler in kimono |
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| after the practice |
The origin of sumo was religious. The first sumo bouts were a form of ritual dedicated to the deities with prayers for a bountiful harvest in ancient times. Even today, sumo includes many ritual elements, such as the use of salt for purification of the ground.
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| hair staff sets a topknot |
There are six Grand Tournaments in a year, three are held in Tokyo and one each in Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. From next Sunday, March 11th, Osaka Tournament will be started for fifteen days, and now the temporary stables are opened in and around Osaka city.
Today I had an opportunity to visit one of the temporary stables of Azumazeki Stable at Daibutsunenji Temple in Hirano, Osaka city. One of the most popular sumo wrestlers, Takamisakari belongs to this stable.
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| a banner showing the stable name |
I was watching the morning practice by the ring. There were eight wrestlers practicing in a serious manner. The big sound they bump against each other during the sparring bouts were surprising. During the practice taking pictures was strongly prohibited in order not to interrupt their concentration.
After the practice, I was lucky to eat delicious sumo dish, "Chanko-nabe". So yummy.
Had a very special experience. I'll cheer them on TV.
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| Chanko-nabe |
I would love to see a sumo match. I think it's a misunderstood sport, sort of like curling (which I love). :)
ReplyDeleteHi, to most people sumo is not a doing sport, but a watching sport. And it is a special world we can't see inside. So yesterday is a very good chance to communicate with sumo wrestlers.
Deletehallo Annie, ich freue mich sehr, nun alle deine Post zu lesen und zu verstehen, danke dir und es interessiert mich sehr, was du über japanische Kultur schreibst und die Bilder auch...über Sumo weiss ich nicht viel, kenne aber diese Kräftigen Männer aus dem TV...
ReplyDeleteGrüße von Geli
Now everything in English ...
DeleteHi Annie, I am delighted to now read all your post and understand, thank you, and I am very interested in what you write about Japanese culture and the images of sumo ... I do not know much, but know this fortifying men from the TV ...
Greetings from Geli
Hi Geli, thank you for your comments. Sumo wrestlers are all big, at the same time, they have a flexible body so as to prevent injuries.
DeleteI once watched a video about sumo wrestling. Follow this men a special diet to take part with competitions? Chanko-nabe seems lekker/delecious.
ReplyDeleteHi Jedidja
DeleteSumo wrestlers eat a lot only twice a day. To gain weight eating twice a day is more effective than eating three times a day.
Sumo wrestling is very famous outside Japan too, Annie. I am amazed by their prodigious weight and wonder what their life expectancy is? Do they die younger than average? They must have many health problems as they age.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, Nick. Their life expectancy is about ten years earlier than the average men.
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