The Perfect Guide to Sumo Discover Japanese Culture English
Product Description
Explore the fascinating world of sumo with insights from the 34th Shonosuke Kimura, a sumo grand champion with 50 years of experience. This book offers an easy-to-understand guide to sumo, making you feel as if you're watching the matches alongside a seasoned master. The book includes an English translation by David Shapiro, the English commentator for NHK's "Ozumo" program, and is enriched with sumo nishiki-e (brocade pictures) to enhance your understanding of sumo culture.
Product Specification
This comprehensive guide covers everything from purchasing tickets to understanding the history and rules of sumo. It includes:
- How to purchase sumo tickets and navigate the sumo information desk.
- Understanding the Banzuke (ranking chart) and the roles of Yokozuna and Ozeki.
- Details on the bout lineup and the flow of sumo tournaments.
- Insights into the winning prize, the ring, and the performance within it.
- Explanation of sumo rules, classical moves, forbidden moves, and non-games.
- Descriptions of the Gunbai, monotone, and the experience of walking around the Kokugikan.
- Details on rikishi entering the ring, announcements, and various ceremonies such as the Yumitori ceremony and the Yagura-daiko.
Sumo World Insights
Gain a deeper understanding of the sumo world with chapters dedicated to:
- A day in the life of a sumo stable, including the role of Chanko and the yearly sumo calendar.
- The roles of the stablemaster, housemaster, brothers, attendants, gyoji, caller, tokoyama, spotter, and young head.
- The unique language and terminology used within the sumo world.
Additional Features
The book also includes delightful anecdotes from the perspective of a gyoji, historical matches, and famous episodes of past rikishi. Additionally, it offers delicious and healthy chanko recipes, providing a taste of the sumo lifestyle.
