I visited the Minato stable, a sumo stable in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, to observe a practice session and experience Chanko hot pot.
noriakiSumo is Japan’s national sport and has a long history as a Shinto ritual and festival.
In modern times, it is popular with a wide range of people, from young to old, and is full of attractions such as the power of the clashes between Sumo wrestlers and the excitement of the venue.
This time, I took part in an open training session organised by the Yomiuri Culture Centre Kawaguchi, ‘Minato stable practice observation & Chanko experience’, where I had the opportunity to visit a sumo stable for the first time.
The Minato stable was founded in 1981 and is located in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture.
There were about 20 visitors from our course and about 10 other foreigners.
Private conversation, eating and drinking (water intake is allowed) and photography (including video) are strictly prohibited during practice, as any breakdown in the concentration of the wrestlers can lead to injury.
I took part because I was interested in how sumo wrestlers use their bodies.
At first I paid attention to the angles at which they collided with their opponents and how they practised to build up the tenacity of their lower bodies, but as I watched the rigorous clash-like practice, I gradually became emotionally involved with the wrestlers, and by the end I felt inclined to root for them.
After the practice, we were given the opportunity to take commemorative photographs and were served Chanko, which the Sumo wrestlers eat on a daily basis, which was a very valuable experience.
Visiting a sumo stable was a really touching experience for me.
Various sumo stables offer practice tours, so I would like you to try it too.
