Sumo A Unique Sport A Form Of Divine Entertainment Since 712 d.C A
Sumo, known in Japan as 大相撲 (Ōzumō), stands not only as a sport but as a profound cultural institution deeply rooted in the fabric of Japanese life. From ancient rituals to a professional sport watched by millions, sumo’s history is a fascinating journey through time, reflecting changes in Japanese society, spirituality, and physical culture.
Origins and Mythology
Sumo’s origins are as ancient as they are mythical. The sport’s beginnings are often traced back to the Kojiki, Japan’s first written history, completed in 712 AD, where it describes sumo as a form of divine entertainment. One famous tale recounts how the sun goddess Amaterasu, who had hidden herself in a cave, was lured out to watch a sumo match, bringing light back to the world. This narrative underscores sumo’s significance in Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion, where it’s often performed to appease or entertain deities during festivals.
From Ritual to Sport
Initially, sumo was more of a ritual than a competitive sport, performed at harvest festivals or to mark significant events like the construction of a new building. These matches were more about pleasing the gods than determining a winner, though strength and prowess were certainly celebrated.
As Japan’s feudal era dawned, sumo began to evolve. By the Heian period (794-1185), it had gained popularity as entertainment among the aristocracy. Samurai would sometimes engage in sumo as part of their military training, emphasizing its role in developing physical strength and mental discipline.
Edo Period: Professionalization
The Edo period (1603-1868) marked sumo’s transformation into a professional sport. This era saw the establishment of the first sumo tournaments or basho, held by the Tokugawa shogunate to entertain the public and maintain social order. Sumo wrestlers, or rikishi, began to form professional guilds, and the sport started to develop rules that are recognizable today, including the ring (dohyo) and the use of belts (mawashi).
During this time, sumo also became a public spectacle. It was not only a test of strength but also of technique, strategy, and endurance. The wrestlers’ diets became legendary, with the famous chanko-nabe (a communal stew) becoming a staple to gain weight and strength. Sumo’s popularity led to the emergence of yokozuna, the highest rank in sumo, symbolizing the pinnacle of achievement and skill.
Meiji Restoration: Modernization and Challenges
The Meiji Restoration in 1868 brought about significant changes in Japan, including sumo. The sport faced challenges with the new government’s Westernization policies, which initially viewed sumo with skepticism. However, sumo adapted, integrating into the national sports system and receiving imperial recognition. The Meiji era saw the construction of the Ryōgoku Kokugikan, the first dedicated sumo arena, cementing sumo’s place in modern Japanese culture.
20th Century: Expansion and Controversies
The 20th century brought sumo into the international spotlight. While it remained deeply traditional, it also faced modernization in training techniques, diet, and even the integration of foreign wrestlers, which was a significant cultural shift. However, this era wasn’t without its controversies. Scandals involving yakuza (Japanese organized crime), match-fixing, and the treatment of lower-ranked wrestlers sometimes marred the sport’s reputation.
The introduction of television in post-war Japan further popularized sumo, turning wrestlers into celebrities. The sport’s international appeal grew, with events like the Nagoya Basho gaining viewers from around the world.
Contemporary Sumo: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Today, sumo wrestling continues to thrive as a beloved sport in Japan, blending ancient traditions with modern sensibilities. The Japan Sumo Association oversees the sport, ensuring its rituals, such as the dohyo-iri (ring-entering ceremony), are preserved, while also adapting to contemporary issues like athlete health, international competition, and the role of women in sumo.
In recent years, sumo has seen a decline in the number of Japanese wrestlers, leading to more foreign participants, particularly from Mongolia, who have dominated the top ranks. This has sparked discussions on sumo’s identity and its place in a globalizing world.
Cultural Symbolism
Sumo is more than a physical contest; it symbolizes balance, harmony, and respect for tradition. Matches are preceded by rituals that cleanse the ring, representing purity. The sport encapsulates the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, embracing transience and imperfection, as even the mightiest wrestler can be defeated in moments.
Sumo in the Modern World
As we look at sumo today, it faces challenges like any other sport: maintaining relevance in a fast-paced entertainment world, addressing health concerns of its athletes, and navigating cultural shifts. Yet, sumo’s resilience lies in its ability to adapt while holding onto its core values. Efforts to globalize sumo, like the planned 2025 event in London, reflect this ongoing evolution.
Conclusion
The history of sumo is a tapestry woven through Japan’s cultural and spiritual life. From ancient rituals meant to entertain gods to a professional sport that has captured the imagination of millions, sumo’s journey is emblematic of Japan’s history itself. It’s a sport where tradition meets athleticism, where every bout is not just a physical contest but a cultural event, rich with history, symbolism, and an undying spirit of competition. As sumo continues into the future, it carries with it the weight of centuries, a testament to the enduring allure of this ancient art.
