It is always as well to know at least something of the country you want to visit and the things you want to do. “Obvious”, you may say but it amazing how many people don’t do the basic research beyond checking flight and hotel bookings.
Most people know that the official name of
“The Land of The Rising Sun” is Nippon or Hihon with Tokyo as its capital city. You probably know that the yen is the currency and that the "Tea Ceremony” plays an important cultural role in Japanese society. This ancient tradition encourages appreciation of matters physical, aesthetic, intellectual and spiritual.
With a few words, a visitor will enjoy their stay so much more as Japanese is spoken throughout the country with little regional variation. Picking up a few words or expressions will help you anywhere among the 127 or so million people that call Japan home. Your efforts will be appreciated and doors will open to you.
For conversation, it may be useful to know, for example, how many islands make up the country of Japan. Do you know how many seas and lakes surround these islands? For instance the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk all have different characteristics that in turn affect the Japanese regional culture. Did you know that the ownership of the Chishima Islands (or Kuriru Islands) in the Northern Territories is disputed by Japan’s mainland rival, Russia?
Nearly three quarters of Japan is mountainous. Mount Fuji is its highest and most famous summit and is also volcanic. Sushi, of course, is famous the world over but did you know that soup is eaten with chop sticks? It might be fun to find out how! If sushi and soup are not your thing then you could explore the “ramen” or “yakinki” type restaurants that serve foods more commonly associated with China.
High on the list of many visitors is Japan’s national sport: Sumo Wrestling. Steeped in ancient ritual dating back centuries, Japanese sumo wrestling can be enjoyed in Tokyo at the main tournaments during January, May and September. So many visitors want to watch sumo wrestling and it is no wonder that they do.
The traditions during these 15 day sumo tournaments are strictly observed. The wrestlers with their distinctive “oicho” hair knot and wearing the thick, colourful silk
“mawashi” (belly band) are truly professional in all that the do. They live in “stables” where their every need is catered for including the large quantities of food they consume. In order to retain and gain the bulk they require, they retire to sleep directly after eating.
The Grand Champion, the ‘yokozuna’, is at the pinnacle of his profession, the’banzuke’.
Once a wrestler reaches the rank of yokozuna, the title cannot be taken away from him although he is expected to retire once his powers start wane.
When visiting and enjoying the Tournaments it is a good to have some idea of the etiquette and the vocabulary:
• Banzuke The official listing of rank in ozumo.
• Danpatsu-shiki A rikishi's retirement ceremony (top knot is removed)
• Dohyo The sumo ring.
• Dohyo-iri The formal ring entering ceremony.
• Gino-sho The Technique Prize.
• Gyoji The referees.
• Jonidan The second division from the bottom on the banzuke.
• Jonokuchi The lowest division on the banzuke.
• Juryo The second highest division on the banzuke
• Kanto-sho The Fighting Spirit Prize.
• Kesho-mawashi The ceremonial apron worn by rikishi
• Komusubi The fourth highest position on the banzuke.
• Maegashira Indicates a rikishi in the top, Makunouchi division..
• Mage The top knot worn by rikishi.
• Makushita The fourth division from the bottom on the banzuke
• Makunouchi The top division on the banzuke or offical listing of rank.
• Mawashi The loincloth worn by rikishi when they train or compete.
• O-icho The more formal hair style worn by rikishi in the top two divisions.
• Ozeki The second highest rank in ozumo.
• Rikishi Literally, "a gentleman of strength",Member of The Nihon Sumo Kyokai
• Sandanme The third division from the bottom on the banzuke.
• Sekiwake The third highest position on the banzuke
• Shikiri The toeing-the-mark ritual: precedes the start of every bout.
• Shukun-sho The Outstanding Performance Award. .
• Tachimochi The yokozuna's sword bearer during his dohyo-iri.
• Tate-gyoji The highest ranked gyoji or referees in ozumo. .
• Toshiyori A term used to refer to the retired rikishi.
• Tsuyuharai Serves as the "usher" of the yokozuna during his dohyo-iri
• Yokozuna The highest position on the banzuke.
• Yumitori-shiki The bow twirling ceremony (at the end of every day)
The Grand Tournaments of Tokyo are held in the east of the city at Ryogoku. The grandest of the grand, the one to win, the best of the best is the New Year Tournament. Visit in January, May or September but whatever you do, if you haven’t booked your tickets in advance, arrive early if you want a ticket to this 15 day spectacular Early is 7am.
With plenty of sushi and green tea for nourishment you are bound to enjoy the excitement of the competitors, the crowd and the cultural events surrounding
Sumo Wrestling
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