We had SUCH an exciting day at the sumo today!!
We decided to walk to Kanaoka Park Gymnasium, as it was a 35-40 minute walk through absolute beautiful weather. Once we got inside the Gymnasium, the entrance was packed full of people including the odd sumo wrestler wandering round carrying his lunch. The first section of the day was dedicated to watching some of the youngest trainee wrestlers take on the fully fledged wrestlers. It was adorable, and some of the kids did great, especially one little bruiser who was desperate to get the better of his more experienced counterpart.
The next section was dedicated to the lower level wrestlers, and this was our first sight of what a real match looks like. I think we understood the basic rules – the first wrestler to put a foot outside the ring, or touch the floor with any part of their body except a foot loses – but there was a lot of ceremonial aspects that we couldn’t 100% follow or understand the meaning. The rounds with the lower level wrestlers were all over within about 10 seconds of starting, so we weren’t sure what to expect from later matches.
We left the main Gymnasium area to wander in the sun and get some lunch. After queuing for a while, we eventually managed to find some curry bento boxes, and when we took these back in, the lower level wrestling had ended, and as we sat down, a comedy duo were starting their wrestling ‘match’. They were absolutely hilarious and had us both in stitches.
This was followed by a drum performance and then a demonstration of how to prepare and style the sumo wrestlers hair into the tight buns that they wear. Even from up on the stands, we could see the wrestler trying not to wince from the pain of having a comb dragged through hair filled with solid wax.
The wrestlers for the second and top level were led out by the match referees and their names announced to the crowd. Some of the wrestlers must have been well known as people were cheering particularly loud for them, and we could see the crowds dashing up to where the wrestlers were waiting for their match, asking them to sign autographs and take photos. When the top level wrestlers were led out, two of them were carrying babies – not sure if they were their own children or if this was a tradition, but it was v. cute.
We finally saw the last few matches of the day. These rounds were lasting much longer and you could definitely see the skill in the higher ranking wrestlers. I’m afraid I haven’t the faintest idea who won, but well done to him anyway.
After strolling back to our accommodation we had to pack up and leave for the next air bnb in Moriguchi. Once we got there, starving after our busy day of sports spectating, we left to find some dinner. Just below is a tiny Chinese restaurant where the owner doesn’t speak much English, but between us we managed to order gyoza and ramen, which is all one really needs in life anyway.
We’ve been jumping around a lot recently – staying in four different air bnbs over the last three days. We’re in this current one for a few days now so at least we don’t have to drag suitcases around for a while! Looking forward to spending the next couple of days exploring Osaka and Kyoto.
Claudia Bow 