Cultural, traditional event filled with rituals, raw energy … Sumo show is a must-see for visitors to Japan !
Sumo wrestling
Grand sumo tournaments lasts 15 days … held 6 times a year – 3 times in Tokyo (January, May, September), Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka (once each city in March, July, November respectively).
Do you know that each match lasts only around 4 minutes … amazing !
Sumo wrestlers
Though sumo wrestlers appear large, they possess significant muscle mass beneath fat. It’s this unique body composition-combination of muscle-fat that provides necessary power and stability for sumo wrestling.
They have performed same rituals, traditions for last 300 years.
Sumo wrestlers usually eat high-calorie dish, ‘chanko nabe’ – beef stew, vegetable hotpot. And they typically consume about 5-6 such hotpots per meal …
And usually weight about 150kg – hence the healthy appetite.
Do you know the silk loincloth worn around torso is about 7 metres in length ?
Top sumo wrestlers earn about US$100,000 per tournament; around US$30,000 monthly salary. Top division wrestlers may make about US$8-10,000 monthly. Those lower than 2nd division don’t receive salaries other than some stipend.
History of sumo wrestling
Over 1000 years ago ’sumai’ tournaments were held throughout Japanese provinces – perceived as match between humans and deity.
As Shinto ritual to entertain gods, it was believed that if gods are displeased, they will not bring a good harvest season.
Sumo stage, dohyo, is very sacred – hence roof is dressed with purple curtains and tassels, representing roof of Shinto shrine.
There are no official female sumo wrestlers … women are not allowed to enter sumo ring …
Sumo wrestlers must belong to a sumo house … require a sponsor … have historic hairstyle … must wear yukata (traditional clothing), sandals and are prohibited from driving car.
They must leave parents at young age and live in lodging house … perform house-chores as part of training.
Expenses are paid by house they belonged to during training; earnings going to house till they turn professional.
Geisha of Japan
Tradition of geisha began in 18th century – term geisha means ‘performance artist’; role usually held by men, like court jesters to entertain rich, powerful clients through musical performance, dance and storytelling.
Today, geisha (ladies) typically perform in custom-built tea houses, with food and tea served. There are only about 600 geishas still working in whole of Japan.
Geisha training
Training starts around 15-18 years; ladies must live in geisha lodging house (okiya) with their mother (okamisan) for 5 years. They don’t carry mobiles, money or have boyfriends. Fully trained geishas live in own homes in geisha neighborhoods.
Do you know that apprentice geisha silk sash is about 5-7metres length; winter clothing weighs about 15kgs !
Geisha wears kimono and sandals in public; requires a sponsor, do house-chores as part of training, and earnings go directly to their house until they turn professional.
You can visit restaurants in Japan where geisha still performs authentic old-world Japanese songs, dances and serve exquisite Japanese cuisine dishes.
Another unforgettable experience !
Cherry blossom in Japan
Sakura (cherry blossom) season usually starts late March; with full bloom expected a week later. Flowers only last from several days to 2 weeks depending on weather conditions.
Ornamental cherry tree, celebrated for beautiful flowers … belong to genus Prunus … varying from dark pink, pink to white blossoms.
In Japan, Sakura represent ‘fleeting nature of life, beauty and arrival of spring’.
There are many varieties of cherry blossom trees with various blooming times – found throughout world especially in temperate regions of Japan, China, Korea, US, Europe.
Cherry blossom varieties
There are many ‘cultivars’ (cultivated plants selected for desired traits) available – most notable is that with ‘vanilla-like’ fragrance. Most ornamental cherry trees for viewing are developed from various wild species; propagated by grafting.
Sakura are regarded as sacred; landmarks that symbolize Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples.
Japanese Sakura grown in southern hemisphere bloom in late September to mid-October.
Most popular Sakura is nearly pure white, tinged with pale pink near stem … bloom and usually falls off before leaves appear.
No matter what variety, Sakura season is a special sight to behold, beauty appreciated !
Conclusion
Unique Japanese sumo-wrestling, geishas and cherry blossoms are must-dos when in Japan.
Appreciate deep cultural traditions; experience hard-soft styles of sumo wrestling; art of gentle performance by geishas; see abundance of cherry blossoms scattered everywhere in cities and countryside …
Ultra-modern cityscape mingled with traditional culture, floral beauty in fast-paced ever-changing Japan.
Just unforgettable !
