[sumo] Sumo in Beijing

[Katrina <katrina@shoin.ac.jp>]

Just back from an enjoyable weekend in Beijing.  Because of work
commitments, I was only able to see the first day's sumo and couldn't go
sightseeing with the rikishi, which was a disappointment - not many Chinese
atmosphere type photos.

Before the matches the audience was quieter than in the Kokugikan or the
jungyo in Korea, but they cheered loudly enough after each one.  Everybody
seemed to be enjoying themselves and were impressed with the skill and
flexibility of the rikishi.  There's nothing like seeing sumo live to really
appreciate it's worth.  It was surprising to see a number of people leave
early, whether they¹d seen enough or just wanted to beat the crowds on the
way home, I couldn¹t say.

As always there was a large Mongolian contingent cheering for their national
heroes.  At one stage one group had to be asked to remove the Mongolian flag
which they had draped over the rail in front of their seats.  It was
obscuring the sponsors names on a board below!

Talking to a few of the rikishi, they laughingly complained of the
difficulties of climbing the Great Wall and the slippery stones that were
hazardous when viewing the Forbidden City.  I only ventured a short way up
the wall and was tired after walking through the vast Forbidden City - and I
was wearing sensible shoes - so I imagine the rikishi must have felt rather
worn out by the end of their sightseeing.

Many of the cities visited on tour pose problems for rikishi wearing
sandals, the cobblestones in Toledo in Spain were very hard to walk on, and
in the Louvre in Paris the marble, or are they polished granite, floors
caused quite a few slips and I had visions of some rikishi careening into a
priceless statue.  Didn't happen, thank goodness.

Although we all love these great touring photo opportunities, it is hard on
the guys who are frankly not used to walking long distances.

When Naruto Oyakata took his whole heya on a trip to Beijing some years ago
he sensible arranged for 35 rickshaws to transport everyone through the old
city.  Some of those rickshaw operators really earned their money that day!

Following the media coverage in Beijing, the sumo is certain to be well
received in Shanghai.  Hope the guys can stand the pace.  They return next
Friday, have a day off then a knockout tournament in the Kokugikan on
Sunday, a week's keiko at home then they are off to Nagoya.  Rather a hard
schedule, especially with the Nagoya basho starting earlier this year on
July 4th.

As always, the ³naked ambassadors² are doing a great job of promoting both
sumo and Japan abroad, and though they might be tired now, in the future
they will no doubt remember their visit to China with pleasure.

Katrina



[EndPost by Katrina <katrina@shoin.ac.jp>]