Yes, we all make fun of them or have made fun of them at some point-but the world of Sumo has always fascinated me. Think about it, how many other sports make it a requirement for you to gain a ton (sometimes literally) of weight, then nap, then wear the most body bearing uniform available then pay you heaps of money if you win and you attain God-like status because of it? Really! Morbid fact: Most of these big gents die when they're in their 60's but before all that there is the glory of all that is Sumo-fantastic. This was the second to the last day (Sept 29, 2008) of a big 15 day event and Francois was able to score us some tickets. Yes-there are scalpers in Tokyo you just need to look desperate to attract t
hem. We were able to get near to nosebleed seats but it was still a good view all around and the energy from the crowd was magnetic. Coolest part is that you could eat popcorn and ice cream as you watched these thonged
Titans battle it out in the sand below. I got to see the Yokuzuna Hakuho (Mongolian origin) kick major ass against Bulgarian Ozeki Kotoosho. Am still not familiar with all the rituals and ceremonies and I doubt I will get to watch another tournament in the near future but am super happy that I did. We didn't get to see a lot of the starting 'dances'
but we were fortunate enough to see the better wrestlers in this Sumo Banzuke. Outside, it was amusing to see them being stopped by fans and one even got into his BMW and drove off, still dressed in his robe with his hair piled high on his head followed by his sumo-alalays. Needless to say, Baby and I took photos with the ones from the lower divisions as they exited the hall and man, we are sooooo petite! Good for the ego for sure! I am hoping that if I do chance upon another tournament, maybe next September that we can have a closer seat. The 'front' row is pretty cool as you get to sit on cush
ions on the floor and get served sake and sushi-or other Japanese delights as you watch the wrestlers grunt and groan away to the top prize.
