When I was working in Tokyo, I passed by Asakusa a lot of times. During which I encountered many sumo wrestlers cycling up and down the street. Some were fast and some were cruising. Some almost run over a colleague of mine. Although, this may be a day-to-day happening in the old district of Tokyo, from the outsiders’ stance, it’s a chance to muck around and do some kung-fu moves. Believe me, don’t. You’ll just look stupid. Not that they’ll hit back or anything because in fact, they are seen as role models than being considered as warriors. They follow a very strict code since childhood. Admittedly, less and less homegrown wrestlers nowadays reach the ultimate rank, the Yokuzuna status of sumo so the public interest is dwindling more and more.
For us, the trip to J-land wouldn’t be complete without seeing the bouts live. I saw it twice and definitely it’s a must see.
The next tournament has started already which is running from 12th – 26th July in Nagoya. Bouts are all day but the heavyweights don’t come out till 4-6pm. Well, you gotta have a climax at the end, huh?
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