SUMO

The first morning in Nagoya we decided that we wanted to go and see a sumo wrestling match. We were told that matches were unpopular on the week days and that we'd have no problem getting tickets. so after a breif sorray to try to find Citi bank to get some cash (which apparently it's a completely different bank than the one in the U.S.). It wasn't too much to get the seats, and they were fairly close. The ritual surrounding sumo is quite interesting. I'll describe the Yokozuma match, as it's the most complex... It starts out with a man, one of the assistants that sweeps the ring, steps into the center, infront of the referee (who is wearing a black hat and a multi-colored kimono and white sock/shoes) and holds out a fan to each of the competetors, one on each side, and while facing them, chants (kind of sings) their name out to introduce them. The two wrestlers then step up, bow to eachother slightly, and then go to the back side of the ring. They put their arms up, lean to the side, and give the stomp that we associate with sumos. They then clap, and lift up the other side. They come to the middle, squat, and clap their arms at the same time, and lift them up their sides, flip the palms, and lower them again. They walk back to their corners, and receive a drink from the next sumo to wrestle on their side, and hold a piece of paper over their mouth as they spit it out, wipe their mouths, and go back to the middle again. This time they adapt the starter stance, with both fists on the ground, much like a four point football stance. the ref is holding the mirror away, which is how you tell that it's not time to begin. They then go back to their corners, and an attendant holds up a washcloth, which they wipe their face, and maybe armpits and stomach, and hand it back to him. They grab a handful of salt, and wave it near themselves or they toss it onto the ring, a Shinto means of purification. They then crouch, the ref holds the mirror to them, and when they both have both fists on the ground they go. Matches last anywhere from four seconds to twenty. After the match, which ends by the loser either touching something inside the ring with anything other than the sole of his feet, or the first one to touch ground outside of the ring, they face eachother and bow. The winner then crouches, and the referee points the mirror at them. They then wave the palm of their right hand at the ground, and leave the ring. When they leave the ring side, they bow to it. It was really interesting once we got to the Yokazuma level. All in all, a six hour even, that lasts every day for 15 days, each wrestler getting one match a day. We finished up with Sumo and headed back to the hotel, where I am now. I hope everyone reading this enjoys it, and I promise pictures upon my return. Trying my best to keep up with those at home, but little luck so far, for the most part I'm going incommunicato with the people in the U.S. I'll have more adventures later. Take care,-Jud