Sports in Japan

I decided to do this post on sumo wrestling, since this sport originated in Japan, and Japan is also the only country where it is practiced professionally. After doing some research into the topic, I discovered that these mens lives are actually highly regimented and they are required to follow strict rules and guidelines that are put in place by the Sumo Association- I was totally unaware of this previously. This is mostly due to the fact the tradition of sumo wrestling is ancient, and also because there are some ritual aspects to the sport which come from the Shinto religion, the national 'religion' of Japan. Therefore, because of these important associations in Japanese culture, it is important that respect for this sport be upheld to the highest degree. These particular pictures were taken from a sumo event which happened in Tokyo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.  

 

It is almost comical to me the amount of time that is spent announcing the fights, introducing the fighters and even the dance of the Yokozuna, or the highest position held on the official listing of rank (these people are often referred to as living symbols of sumo). When it becomes ready for the fight, it is all over in an instant, and so much of the time is spent merely watching the motions that are gone through for every fight, every time. This is much different from any sports in the United States (and elsewhere for that matter), specifically I am thinking of basketball or soccer, in which almost the ENTIRE time of the game is spent in action.  But then again, that the fact that the Shinto tradition/ancient tradition is what makes this sport so interesting and unlike any other sport in the world. 

**If you would like to learn more about the traditions and rules of sumo wrestling, check out this website: 

http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/ozumo_joho_kyoku/shiru/kiso_chishiki/beginners_guide/index.html