Bigger is Better – Sumo Wrestling in Tokyo
Tokyo obviously has a lot of experiences and opportunities to explore and insert yourself into Japanese culture; when we found out that the January Grand Sumo tournament was going on during our stay, we jumped at the chance to get tickets. So we showed up mid-day and as we arrived at the stadium grounds were introduced to the frenzy and excitement of the press and fans clamoring around some of the best wresters: the classic throngs of paparazzi, energetic fans screaming and autograph seeking children brought the feeling of any other major sporting event and built our excitement as we prepared to enter.
The stadium has seatings all around the center ring with the lower levels on laid out tatami mats with the spectators enjoying the games in a picnic-like style. We were in the elevated seats in normal stadium seating with an excellent view of the rings. Before the spectacle of the pro Westlers began, we treated ourselves to bento boxes of sushi, omelets, rice and other Japanese oddities with a cold beers.
Our knowledge of the sport was also most nothing and may be still close to that level after the event but we enjoyed and cheered along with the very strict interactions and buildup of the traditional preparation of the two fighters before they lunged at each other. Intimidation, posturing, mental and physical preparedness seemed to last forever until the central judge dropped his fan and the two massive bodies collided. A few seconds of flaying hands, legs digging in the sand, and of course jiggling bellies is all it took for one to be victorious over the other.
In the end we were treated to a special occasion of an underdog Japanese wrester beating out a superior Mongolian for the overall win of the day. The Japanese pride was strong; mats and pillows were flung from the seats to the ring in celebration and joy. And just like all things wonderful in Japan, the scene quickly returned to formality, decorum was restored and we all exited the stadium in a polite, rapid and orderly fashion.
