We arrived at the Sumo Stadium at 8:00 to watch the preparation of the ring and the entrance of the Jr. Sumo Wrestlers. We had to wash our hands, a way of preventing the spread of Swine Flu. Our initial questions were patiently answered in English and we were told to make sure we were there at 2:00 for our special 'gift'. No-one stays all day - the final performance isn't until 6:00, so people get a stamp on their hand and are free to go in and out as they please.
The ring is covered in sand but it is carefully swept into patterns. Above it is a roof, a Shinto Shrine that has a tassel at each of its four corners, that represent the four seasons of the year. The wrestler (Rikishi) who touches his topknot or any part of his body to the ground, loses the match. There are no weight limits so a wrestler can be matched with a wrestler twice his size or weight. There are lots of rules: no hair pulling or eye poking, choking or kicking. Fair play is a must and Sumo Wrestling is almost a religious rite rather than the circus that WWF can be.
Sumos are introduced and bow to each other and to the referee and others at the beginning and end of the match. They throw salt onto the sand to purify it and they also stamp hard to ward off any evil demons. There are at least three to four levels of accomplishment and the highest ranked Sumo matches are the finale of the day. to Matches are very quick; there are over 98 ways to defeat or be defeated! Sumos are very polite and patient when faced with their fans and photographers and, they are very professional in the ring. There are no displays of temper although there are some false starts from those eager to get to the win.
A family or group of friends can have their own tatami seating or can choose individual seats. Everyone buys and brings snacks and drinks to the show. For lunch, people can buy boxed food or can have Sumo soup, like we did. Sumo soup has chicken, tofu and many vegies and is the hearty meal that everyone needs for the energy expended cheering the Sumos on.
Before lunch, we went for a walk along the sea wall and were impressed that the walls were painted and tiled with a variety of scenes: Olympic Sports, historical city stories,
and pictures of children/students. The winning moves of Sumo Wrestlers were incorporated into the metal railing along the sea wall. The bridges, painted yellow, were the same color as those in the historical images of the city, long ago.
After lunch, we picked up our 'gift', an autographed souvenir from a Stable Master, Kokonoe Chiyono Fuji. Now when was the last time you went to a sports function and got a thank-you and a gift? We also entered Anthy's name for two free tickets to Sumo and we really hope she wins and gets to go!
Later on, we watched the process of the salaried, higher ranked Sumo.
These men wear highly decorated 'aprons' which are beautifully made, expensive indicators of their success. They take command of the ring and are applauded by the audience as they are introduced by name.We stay until after 6:00 to watch the closing ceremonies and to pick up the rest of the souvenirs. We are able to pick up English booklets that explain all about the Sumos and answer questions everyone has but were afraid to ask. We wish we could have the music that accompanied our Sumo Soup lunch and also would like a recording of the chanting that can be heard at the introduction of each match. We go home with a greater appreciation of an honorable profession Sumo Wrestling is.
