Grand Kanjin Sumo Tournament by Utagawa Kunisada (1843)
Grand Kanjin Sumo Tournament by Utagawa Kunisada (1843)
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Sumo相撲

Sumo is a traditional Japanese wrestling sport that has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The objective of the sport is to force your opponent out of a circular ring or make any part of their body other than the soles of their feet touch the ground. The sport is deeply steeped in tradition and rituals, and it is considered an integral part of Japanese culture.

Sumo wrestlers, or Rikishi, train for many years and follow strict dietary and lifestyle guidelines to reach their enormous size and strength. They typically weigh over 180 kilograms and stand over 1.80 meters tall. Sumo wrestlers wear mawashi, which are brightly colored loincloths that are tightly wrapped around their waists.

Sumo tournaments, called basho, are held six times a year and last for 15 days each. The highest rank a wrestler can achieve is Yokozuna, which is the equivalent of a grand champion. This rank is given only to wrestlers who have consistently performed at the highest level and have shown exceptional skill and strength.

The matches themselves are brief and explosive, often lasting only a few seconds. The tension and anticipation in the air are palpable, and the roar of the crowd is deafening as the two wrestlers clash in the center of the ring. The winner is determined by a single throw, push, or trip.

In addition to being a sport, sumo is also a symbol of Japanese culture and history. The rituals and traditions associated with the sport are deeply rooted in Japanese spirituality and religion, and sumo is considered a form of artistic expression. The combination of physical strength and spiritual tradition makes sumo a unique and captivating sport that continues to be enjoyed by fans all over the world.

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