The Roving Ronin Report

In April, sumo gets back to its roots at Yasukuni Shrine with an outdoor event. In olden times, sumo was generally held outdoors at shrines and temples or before gathered assemblies of august groups such as the shogun, daimyo (feudal lord), even the Emperor. Hono Ozumo is a special ceremonial sumo event held at a shrine such as Yasukuni Shrine. Lower rank wrestlers (maku-shita) and top rank wrestlers (maku-uchi) compete. Even the yokozuna the highest rank in sumo compete at Hono Ozumo. If there is more than one yokozuna, they will compete against each other. Sumo can have several yokozuna at the same time but it is relatively rare to have more than two. Usually to see a yokozuna match between two yokozuna is a rare treat. Only on the last day of a tournament can one see this and it's very difficult to get tickets for that day.  This year was a chance to see such a yokozuna match, the first in four years as Yokozuna Asashoryu retired in February of 2010. Hakuho ha...

Culture Day (Bunka no Hi) is a National holiday in Japan on November 3rd. Culture Day as the name implies is a celebration of culture. It's actually three commemorations at once. Besides culture, November 3rd marks the date when the post-war constitution was publicly announced in 1948. The real roots of the holiday though is the birthday of Emperor Meiji (1852-1912). Meiji oversaw the modernization of Japan and a return of governing power to the Imperial Court which had not ruled since the 12th Century. At Meiji Shrine in Tokyo there are a number of cultural activities as a result. Behind the main shrine, a number of martial arts demonstrations are held. One can a variety of weapons like katana, naginata, and spear. Also you can see yabusame - mounted archery - and old fashion matchlock guns including a small cannon.

DAY 13 of January 2012 Sumo Tournament I caught the last hour or so of the January 2012 sumo basho or tournament. Almost didn't go as the weather was nasty with first rain then wet snow that didn't stick. I was glad I did though. Saw some intense matches especially the last one. Really enjoyed it! Here are some photos of the matches I saw on Day 13 mostly with winning shots. ARAN vs KAISEI Brazilian Kaisei beat Russian Aran with a yorikiri -   frontal force out while holding onto an opponent's mawashi - loincloth TENKAIHO vs KYOKUTENHO Tenkaiho wins with a yorikiri YOSHIKAZE vs TAKANOYAMA Czech Takanoyama wins with a hikiotoshi - hand pull down MYOGIRYU vs YOSHIAZUMI Myogiryu wins with a oshidashi - frontal push out without griping the opponent's mawashi and maintaining hand contact HOMASHO vs TOSAYUTAKA Match goes to Homasho with a yorikiri KITATAIKI vs TOYOHIBIKI Toyohibiki wins with a yorikiri TAKEKAZE vs OKINOUMI Okinoumi ...