Sumo and the Culture of Japan
The objective in sumo, Japans national sport, is simple: Push one's opponent out of the ring or make him touch the ground with anything other than the soles of his feet. This is accomplished by wrestlers who weigh over 350 pounds, clad only in loincloths, during a bout that can end in just seconds.Sumo, which dates back over 2,000 years, was first performed at Shintō shrines to entertain the gods and as a prayer for a good harvest. So, to fully appreciate and enjoy the sport one needs an understanding of Japans ancient culture, people, and the Shintō religion. In The Way of Salt Ash Warren takes us on an exploration of Japanese society and history as seen through the lens of sumo.Ash Warren is an author, teacher, and translator who has lectured and written about Japanese culture for decades and has a teaching license in the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Ash, who has lived in Japan since 1992, currently resides with his family in Tokyo.