Proud Japanese tradition of sumo stands at crossroads

[Bonobo]

Source: AFP

Kitanoumi, a legendary grand champion, stepped down Monday as head of the Japan Sumo Association after three Russian wrestlers, one who trained in his stable, tested positive for smoking marijuana.

"The latest incident again taught us that it is difficult for those who do not hold the spirit of Japanese people to be bearers of the Japanese culture," said Kenshiro Matsunami, a former wrestler and one-time vice education and sports minister.

But the sumo establishment faces a dilemma. Athletically gifted foreigners have succeeded in sumo -- both sitting grand champions are Mongolians -- while the sport is losing its popularity among Japanese children. Meanwhile, empty seats are growing at sumo arenas and stables have trouble recruiting young people into the gruelling training.

The sport's image suffered immensely last year when a stablemaster was arrested for the death of an apprentice, whose superiors hit him with a beer bottle and baseball bats as part of training.


Read more: http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gYD_opUUu7GZze0mf_Qm5FXrnAbQ

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Now I guess we know how they gained all that weight. MUNCHIES!

[Coventina]

1. "The latest incident again taught us that it is difficult for those who do not hold the spirit of Ja

That's a pretty problematic statement that needs clarification.

I went to Las Vegas for a Grand Sumo championship a few years ago. It was great fun! And yes, I was surprised by the number of non-Japanese wrestlers. A little, skinny Bulgarian made it to the semi-final round before he was knocked out. I thought he'd be a goner in the first round.

Off topic: Hey Bonobo, there's been some recent news stories about a few large populations of primates found in Cambodia. I thought of you when I read the story. Here's the link:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080828120326.htm

[Bonobo]

2. Thanks!

I know about the discovery of large numbers of lowland gorillas and extremely rare langurs!! It was great, wonderful news.

As for Sumo, yes, the foreigners are really gaining ascendancy in Sumo. Especially Mongolians and Eastern Europeans these days -even more than the previous era of Hawaiians (Konishiki, Akeboo, Masashimaru). But these days, there is no Japanese Grand Champion (Yokozuna) that the Japanese can even be proud of. I think this incident will really put a lot of pressure on the foreign Sumo wrestlers. It will be bad for them.

Thanks again for thinking of me with that terrific link. Such welcome news.

[Coventina]

3. You're welcome. It is so refreshing to hear good news once in a while. n/t

[Thothmes]

4. Actually has been at a cross road for some time now

Four of the last Five Yokazunas have not been native Japanese. Two were American and two are Mongolians.