Jan 08 2009
Sumo Tournament This Weekend!
The new year tournament of Sumo starts this weekend in Tokyo and rumor has it that Asashoryu is going to compete! Twenty-eight year old Asashoryu Akinori was Mongolia’s very first Sumo wrestler to become Yokuzona, but his career hasn’t been all triumphs. Recently, Asashoryu has experienced some setbacks with injuries. He has also been criticized for his behavior. Though some feel he is no Takanohana Koji, Asashoryu has his fair share of fans. Hopefully he will not prove as injury prone as his predecessor. Though he has been seen at practice, his involvement in the tournament is not a done deal. Fans will certainly be paying close attention. The tournament will run January 11 - 25.
Every day from noon - 4, for just 250 yen, sumo fans can sample “Champion Building” stew at the Kokugikan Cafe. Hot pot stew is actually a delicious Tofu and fatty pork based dish with fish balls. Delicious sake-steeped cabbage and bok choy make Hot pot stew a hearty meal that can chase the winter chill away. Just look up a great Chanko Nabe recipe and enjoy a hearty Japanese dish.
After learning how Sumo gain weight, I have discovered that many of my personal eating habits may actually be causing weight gain. Sumo wrestlers don’t eat breakfast, eat late, and exercise hungry. I never thought a sumo would ever be hungry.
Sumo is a spiritual event, not quite the circus our wrestling and boxing has become. It is steeped in tradition and is a sport that is not difficult to follow but should be respected. Personally I hope it doesn’t get as bad as US sports have gotten, but recent behavioral issues might be reason for concern. I hope not though. I hope Sumo can stay above that.
