We had a wonderful experience seeing our first Sumo tournament in
Tokyo! The current Kokugikan is the fourth permanent sumo stadium built in Tokyo. It has been in use since 1985, and is located just next to Ryogoku Station. It seats over 10,000 visitors and hosts three of the six annual sumo tournaments (in January, May and September). Before the stadiums where built Sumo was performed outdoors in Shrines and Temples until the first outdoor stadium was built in 1909.
The ring that they fight in is 4.55 meters in diameter and is considered a
sacred place. The wrestlers throw salt in the air to purify the ring for their bout. The large stomping is done to squash the bad spirits and they sip water to purify there bodies.
The ceremonial aprons they wear when they are parade around the ring are called
kesho-mawashi. They start at 2 million yen (or $20,000) and the prices of course
increase with the more diamonds, pearls and precious gems that are added.
OK enough of the background of the Sumo tournament. We were there until the end
and were able to see all the Makuuchi(senior division) bouts. The last bout was
for big money. The flags in this picture show the company who puts up the money
and each flag is worth about $1,000. The money is given to the winner of the
bout immediately after he wins. The tournament champion doesn't keep all the money; however, he usually shares some with the junior wrestlers as a gesture of his power and goodwill. Sumo grand champions, known as Yokozuna, are revered in the Sumo community, as well as the Japanese community, as beyond celebrity and role model. They epitomize the culture and pride of Japan, and are held to the highest of standards.
Sydney enjoyed herself til the end but was ready to go with the last
couple of bouts. The 2 ice cream cones that she ate probably helped
her sit in her seat.
We had a wonderful experience seeing our first Sumo tournament in
Tokyo! The current Kokugikan is the fourth permanent sumo stadium built in Tokyo. It has been in use since 1985, and is located just next to Ryogoku Station. It seats over 10,000 visitors and hosts three of the six annual sumo tournaments (in January, May and September). Before the stadiums where built Sumo was performed outdoors in Shrines and Temples until the first outdoor stadium was built in 1909.
The ring that they fight in is 4.55 meters in diameter and is considered a
sacred place. The wrestlers throw salt in the air to purify the ring for their bout. The large stomping is done to squash the bad spirits and they sip water to purify there bodies.
The ceremonial aprons they wear when they are parade around the ring are called
kesho-mawashi. They start at 2 million yen (or $20,000) and the prices of course
increase with the more diamonds, pearls and precious gems that are added.
OK enough of the background of the Sumo tournament. We were there until the end
and were able to see all the Makuuchi(senior division) bouts. The last bout was
for big money. The flags in this picture show the company who puts up the money
and each flag is worth about $1,000. The money is given to the winner of the
bout immediately after he wins. The tournament champion doesn't keep all the money; however, he usually shares some with the junior wrestlers as a gesture of his power and goodwill. Sumo grand champions, known as Yokozuna, are revered in the Sumo community, as well as the Japanese community, as beyond celebrity and role model. They epitomize the culture and pride of Japan, and are held to the highest of standards.
Sydney enjoyed herself til the end but was ready to go with the last
couple of bouts. The 2 ice cream cones that she ate probably helped
her sit in her seat.
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