[Poetics of Sumo] From myth to national sport: A 1500-year story woven by the body and spirit of the Japanese people
[The Poetics of Sumo] From Myth to National Sport: A 1500-Year Story Woven by the Body and Spirit of the Japanese People
Introduction: Stepping into the ring
What is sumo? It is not simply a martial art. The figure of a sumo wrestler standing in the ring is a prayer to the gods, a ritual announcing the change of seasons, and a mirror that reflects the very spirituality of the Japanese people. When two wrestlers face each other, sharing a single mawashi, a "meaning" emerges that goes beyond victory or defeat. In this article, we trace the history of sumo from its origins to the present day, unraveling its cultural and spiritual depths.
Chapter 1: The origins of sumo in mythology
The origins of sumo date back to ancient mythology. The Kojiki (712) and the Nihon Shoki (720) describe a battle between the gods Takemikazuchi and Takeminakata over the right to rule the country. This battle between the gods was not simply a contest of strength, but a sacred ritual to decide the right to rule the country.
This mythical contest of strength is considered to be the prototype of the later "sumo" wrestling, and is also the origin of the ritualistic elements that remain in modern-day sumo, such as the salt-throwing gesture and the sumo stomp. In other words, sumo was both a "divine ritual" and a "dance of prayer."
Chapter 2: Sukune and Kehaya - The oldest historical facts about sumo
Moving from myth to history, the first recorded example is the sumo match between Nomi no Sukune and Taima no Kehaya, held in front of Emperor Suinin. This was a contest of strength held in front of Emperor Suinin, and Sukune's victory over Kehaya marked the beginning of sumo's status as a martial art.
This match was not merely entertainment, but a ritual performed in front of the Emperor, and the winner was to serve the Imperial Court. Here we can see the beginnings of sumo being associated with bushido and loyalty.
Chapter 3: From Court Ceremonies to Warrior Training
During the Nara and Heian periods, sumo became established as a court event known as the "Sumo Festival." Held every July, it attracted strong wrestlers from all over the country. This was also a ritual to predict the harvest, and had a strong religious character.
During the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, with the rise of the samurai class, sumo became an important part of combat training. There are records that Oda Nobunaga held a sumo tournament for the public at Azuchi Castle and employed the winner as a retainer. During this period, sumo gained a stronger aspect as a "martial art."
Chapter 4: The blossoming of Edo's culture for the common people
During the Edo period, sumo flourished as a form of entertainment for the common people. Ronin and those boasting of their strength became professional sumo wrestlers, and "kanjin sumo" tournaments were held across the country to raise funds for temple and shrine repairs. Eventually, famous wrestlers such as Tanikaze, Onogawa, and Raiden emerged, and sumo matches were even held in front of the shogun.
By this time, the foundations of modern-day sumo had been established, with ranking lists, mawashi (a traditional Japanese aprons), and topknots in place. Sumo, along with kabuki, was positioned at the heart of Edo culture as a form of entertainment for the common people.
Chapter 5: After the Meiji Period - Establishment as a national sport
In the Meiji era, sumo was restructured amid the wave of modernization. Tokyo sumo and Osaka sumo were merged to form the organization that would become the Japan Sumo Association. In the early Showa era, the title of "yokozuna" was institutionalized, and the dohyo-iri ceremony was standardized.
From this time on, sumo began to be recognized as a "national sport." Although it was not actually designated by law, it naturally established itself as such due to its national support and cultural significance.
Chapter 6: Modern Sumo: Between Tradition and Innovation
While modern sumo maintains its traditions, it also faces new challenges such as internationalization and gender issues. With the success of foreign wrestlers, the rise of women's sumo, and the spread of amateur sumo, sumo continues to evolve in many different ways.
Even so, the brief battle on the dohyo ring is imbued with 1,500 years of history. The acts of throwing salt, stomping their feet, and bowing are imbued with prayers and vows that have continued since the age of mythology.
Chapter 7: The Cultural Significance of Sumo: The Intersection of Body and Spirit
Sumo is more than just a sport. It is a "poetry of the body" and a "dance of the spirit." While wrestlers train their bodies to the limits, they also value etiquette, moderation, and faith. The dohyo is not only a place where victory or defeat is decided, but also a "stage" where culture and spirit intersect.
The way they stand in just their mawashi conveys naked pride and resolve. The act of scattering salt embodies the Shinto idea of purifying impurities. The act of stomping one's feet represents a prayer to calm the earth. Sumo may be the most poetic martial art, fusing the physical and spiritual aspects of the Japanese people.
Conclusion: The relationship between sumo and us
Sumo is not a relic of the past. It is a living culture that is still present in our lives. When you listen to the news of the first tournament of the year, watch a sumo match dedicated to a shrine, or watch children laughing together at a playful sumo match, you are experiencing the "Japanese spirit" that continues from mythology.
Sumo is sure to be a theme that resonates with anyone whose work involves imbuing space and words with poetry. The style of infusing meaning and prayer into the circular space of the sumo ring could be said to be the prototype of "poetic spatial design."