SUMO was at the top of my MUST SEE list in Japan. In May I arranged for our family to go through a tour group months in advance because their matches are only held a few times a year. It was fantastic!
Before each match, a priest blesses the arena and sprinkles salt around the circle as part of a cleansing ritual. The object is to push your apponent OUT of the circle. Each match lasts an average of 30 seconds.
One thing I found crazy is that people are sitting along the edges of the arena, so when wrestlers fall, they frequently land on the audience! One old lady was crushed and I worried she was hurt. When the wrestler got up, she had the biggest smile on her face as if her lifetime dream had come true.
Before each division begins, the wrestlers parade out to the arena and show you their front side...
...and then their BACKSIDE (my favorite part). Their wrap is a symbol of honor, tied in a particular sacred way, but as a foreigner we couldn't help but snicker a little bit.
FAVORITE PHOTO: How do these guys get so BIG??...ha!
4 comments:
Love these posts, love the mix of your Japan days with your new days back home. Keep making the time to sort out and blog all of your Japan memories...these are incredible experiences that you won't want to forget! Such great pictures - thanks for sharing your lives.
Valerie
Nice buts. Big guys.
-emma
You guys really did max out your time here. I know I always say you'd be 'my worst nightmare mother' with all the sightseeing, etc. But you would be a 'dream come true mother' and your kids are lucky to have you!!!
Post a Comment