on this day: 1909

["Rowan Klein" <rowanchan@hotmail.com>]

An article on the opening season at the first Kokugikan, destroyed by fire 
in 1917. There are some articles from late 1917, 1918 and 1919 about the 
fire destroying it November 1917 and the rebuilding of it. check them out at 
my web site if you wish. www.juryo.com

The Japan Times, Friday 11th June 1909

AT THE NATIONAL GAME AMPHITHEATRE

LARGEST HALL IN JAPAN

    On Sunday last the present writer in company with others went to the 
newly built Kokugi-kwan or National Game Amphitheatre at Ryogoku where 
wrestling matches are now given. Our party consisted of some thirty men 
containing some "connoisseurs" of the game, but without a dash of the fair 
sex. Braving a drizzle we reached there at about half past ten in the 
morning. Most of the seats had already been occupied. After some effort we 
were able to install ourselves in the seats reserved for us. The 
performances had been commenced early in the morning. The spectators were 
already showing interest in the matches, for good "players" were coming on 
by and by.
    On entering the dome we were struck with the spaciousness of the 
structure. While our eye was wandering from gallery to gallery, we became 
aware of a dull and deep murmur prevailing. The spectators chatted with one 
another, now commenting on a particular wrestler and then extolling the 
attributes of the game. As there was little to hear from the arena, the 
spectators needed not to keep silence in order to catch the words spoken, 
and took the liberty to talk with one another freely even while the issue on 
the ring was at stake.
    One of the striking features of the amphitheatre is the Imperial 
Gallery. It is a new departure and must be a great honour to the wrestlers, 
for no other public halls of any description are provided with the "Gem 
Seat" or the Imperial Gallery, nor is any of them likely to have the honour 
of possessing one in the near future. Besides the National Game Amphitheatre 
is unique in point of size. It is the largest public hall in Japan, perhaps 
in the East of Suez accommodating some 15,000.

THE NATIONAL GAME
    Whether sumo or wrestling is truly our national game and shall be 
preserved and patronised as such is not what I am to argue. All that I have 
to say at the present moment is about my impressions of the art as seen at 
the amphitheatre. The **** of the wrestlers and the method of contest 
without any weapon but the arms and legs bring us back to the primitive ape 
when man was the dear child of Nature. In sumo the men make use of nothing 
but what they are given by Nature - the naked body. It must be remembered, 
however, that the game is not without art. As a matter of fact, a match 
cannot be won with sheer force. It is almost beyond comprehension what 
strict training the wrestlers have to go through. Thus explained, sumo may 
be regarded as a game possessing all the elements required in sport. But 
whether the simplicity and nakedness of the game does satisfy the people of 
the present age is a question. Moreover, whether it can be given the title 
of the national game is a question that may provoke some discussion.

PUBLIC INTEREST
    At any rate, there is denying that no game in this country excites the 
public interest so much as sumo. At the wrestling seasons the the papers vie 
with one another in reporting on the game. The success of a paper is 
sometimes attained by good reports on wrestling. It is during the sumo 
seasons that evening papers enjoy the largest circulation, simply because of 
the report on the result of the wrestling matches played on the day. Those 
who cannot afford to go to the ring to see the matches satisfy themselves 
with the press report. Betting is also practised by means of the press 
report. When the unexpected some times happens the "extra" is published as 
at the time of the fall of Port Arthur. In other games, those interested are 
limited, but in sumo all the people, old and young, and high and low, alike 
take the keenest interest. In this respect wrestling may truly represent the 
quality of the national game.

BEAUTIES OF THE GAME
    While I was thus musing match after match was played and the enthusiasm 
of the spectators became intense. In the Guest's Gallery was Mr. Fairbanks, 
ex-Vice President of America. He was seen to be watching the matches with 
deep interest, sometimes clapping his hands. The dull murmur prevailing in 
the hall was now apt to burst out into a roar. In the meantime, the 
"dohyo-iri" or ceremonial appearance on the ring of the principal wrestlers 
came on. The performance is one of the most beautiful features of the game. 
The purpose of the performance is something like demonstration. The 
"dohyo-iri" of the Yokozuna or the champion wrestler is an elaborate 
proceeding. Led by the tsuyuharai or a herald and followed by the 
tochi-mochi or sword-bearer, the yokozuna with the lower part of his huge 
body partly wrapped in an embroidered apron adorned with a festoon, enters 
the arena in a solemn manner. When the giant, taking his position in the 
centre of the ring, stands up slowly from his crouching posture with his 
both arms stretching outward, the universe seems to be under his sway.
    The two combatants facing each other on the arena take the greatest 
caution before they begin to fight. They are now just on the point of 
commencing their contest, but, owing to some lack of full preparation on one 
side or the other the real action is reserved, pre spend sometimes twenty or 
thirty minutes before they come to fighting. In fact, they do not commence 
their contest unless they get inspiration as it were.
    On leaving the amphitheatre at six o'clock after having enjoyed a 
pleasant day, I could not help calling to mind the Olympian game and the old 
age.

E.D.T.





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