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Sumo

What is Sumo

Sumo wrestling is a martial art of Japan. Sumo wrestler calls as “Rikishi” and their battle is originated Shintoism of Japan. Since the long time ago, Sumo was industrial enterprise and lately it is known as martial art even out side of Japan. Two men (physically and mentally healthy) compete in front of gods and show the respect to gods, so the manner is important for Sumo. They wear only “Mawashi” (sumo wrestler's loincloth) and as Sumo Wrestling part of a national function, historically it is related with imperial court.

sumo

Kyoto and Sumo

The beginning of Edo period to get sufficient cash flow to construction and to restoration of the temples and shrines hold Sumo tournament. The social basement to live as professional Sumo Wrestler was rapidly progressing at that time. And large men were moved and followed the industrial enterprise of the shogunate capital. However seems like there were so many troubles and Shogunate prohibited the enterprise in 1648. In 1680, the interdict was retracted and Sumo was developed until today.
The record of 1699 of Sumo wrestling in Kyoto says some of the visitors who came for Sumo game, were dead. But when the capital was moved and the emperor moved to Tokyo, Major Sumo wrestlers also started to move to Tokyo. There was a chance to show Sumo game by Kyoto Sumo wrestlers to British royal family. More than 30 Sumo wrestlers were crossed the ocean and it was succeeded in London. There were some other chances but by the time Sumo of Kyoto was declined.
In 1912, people wanted to continue and save Kyoto Sumo, and made a Kyoto battle field of Sumo in side of Nijo castle. It was facing occidental, inside Japanese building for 3500 people was able to watch the game. In 1930’s Sumo of Kyoto was disappeared.

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The most famous Events!
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January
Fude Hajime [2nd-4th]Kitano-tenmangu
Kemari Hajime [3rd] Shimogamo shrine
Toshi-ya [15th] Sanju-sangen-do
February
Setsubun [2nd-25th] Mibu temple
Baika Festival [25th] Kitano-tenmangu
March
Nagashi Bina [3rd] Shimogamo Shrine
April
Miyayo Odori [1st] Gion-kobu-kaburenjo
Mibu Kyogen [21st-29th] Mibu temple
May
Aoi Festival [1st] Kamigamo shrine, Shimogamo shrine
June
Kibune Festival [1st] Kibune shrine
July
Gion Festival [7th] on the corner of Shijo st. and Karasuma st.
August
Daimonji Gozan Okuribi [16th]
September
Seimei shrine Reisai [Autumnal Equinox Day] Seimei shrine
October
Mibu Kyogen [include the 2nd Mon., for 3days] Mibu temple
Era Festival [22nd] Heian Jingu
November
hitakisa [8th] Fushimi Inari Taisha
December
Joya-no Kane [31st] Kurama temple, etc.


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