Japan Adventure

That's Homasho. He's from Yamaguchi Prefecture (the "state" where we live) so we are cheering for him to win today. I think he may have heard us - he won!


These really are good seats and I'm so happy to be here!


Oh there's the "gold hat" guy that we always see on TV at every sumo match. His gold hat & fan really make him stand out . . .


Up above the seats are portraits of each Yokosuna (Grand Champion). Each time they win a tournament (there are 6 per year) a new portrait is added, and an old one taken down. Most of these now (I believe) belong to Hakuho, who is Mongolian. The previous Yokosuna was also Mongolian. There are no portraits left of Japanese Yokosuna. Japan is ready for a Japanese champion again.


Behind the judge (in black) are people who have paid a small fortune for the privilege of sitting cross-legged this close to the ring and additionally, have the honor of - perhaps - having a MASSIVE athlete - or perhaps even two - fall on them . . . yippee!


For 5 or more minutes, the two wrestlers who are meeting next "posture" in prep for their bout, which includes stretching, glaring at each other, throwing salt into the ring (asking the gods for protection from injuries), and slapping their own arms & legs. The man in the beautiful purple kimono inside the ring is the gyoji - the referee - and he also trains & works his way up to this highest gyoji position. The men in black on the first rowon all 4 sides are sumo judges.


They pose in the "start" position several times before the match begins.


And finally it starts. Here's a VERY BRIEF video of the very brief final bout of the day between Yokosuna Hakuho (Mongolian) & Aran (Russian). Total video is 16 seconds, but it's over in less than HALF that time! Click the arrow & enjoy . . .