Or is it? Okay, it's not the sumo wrestlers' locker room. In fact, 3/4 of the room was the dohyo (or practice ring) and the spectator area and the other 1/4 of the room was the kitchen. I kid you not, the only thing separating the two for a while was a flimsy curtain.
How did I end up there? Good question! Some friends of my husband's family own a sushi restaurant and they're big sumo fans and some of the sumo guys are regular customers when they're here in Osaka. The Osaka tournament will start soon meaning the guys are here already practicing. Our friends managed to get us into a semi-private practice session; there were maybe 75 spectators there including a few members of the press, friends/family etc. After the practice, we got to sit down and enjoy a little chanko-nabe in the same place the sumo wrestlers would be eating (after actually hitting the "locker room"). I saw some of the food they'd be eating and it was impressive. I've never seen that much kimchee all in one place, never mind all the other katsu, rice, noodles, and donuts too (by the dozen!).
Over the last several months I've become something of a sumo fan. When the tournaments are on tv, I love to watch and I'm sad if I miss a day. I confess I still don't know all that much about it, but the basic rules are fairly straightforward making it easy to watch and enjoy.
Oh and to give you some idea of how big this guy is, I'm about 5' 8" tall and weigh about 120 pounds - this guy weighs nearly 3 times as much!
WOW! If you look small compared to him, I'd look tiny! I'm only 5'2", so I'd probably come up to about his waist ;o) Sounds like you had a lot of fun and all food is making me drool!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun picture! You could totally take him. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou're 5'8"? Dang, girl! I'm a short one like BM is! Oh, if only I had a few more inches (how different would that sound coming from a man, LOL).
ReplyDeletewhat a great picture and WOW what a great experience! If you get a chance to go to a tournament you should jump at it. I did it just in the super cheap seats at the back and was surprised how great the entertainment was- autograph signings, sponsors gift giveaways, free English commentary on headphones etc etc. We arrived early and it was great watching the guys get heavier and heavier each round.
ReplyDeletewow what a cool experience! Probably 1 of many you've found moving to a new country. Thanks for the great comment over on my blog, nice to meet you! I'll have to lurk over here more often, sounds like you are going to have some great stories!!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog. And wow, what a cool thing to be in on. I kind of love that 3/4 of the room was the practice ring and spactator area, and the other 1/4 was the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteThat is an awesome pic. I wish I'd seen more Sumo wrestling when in Japan. Great that you were able to get 'backstage' to meet them!
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