Death & Damsels on the Dohyo

[Oikeassa 0]

This interview with Takanohana Oyakata Japan Times Interview with Takanohana is not a new one (March 2003), but as I reread it recently, a few points and questions (these from the following section of the Q&A) seemed worthy of opinion and discussion:

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What do you think about women not being allowed on the dohyo?

There is a serious discussion in the Japan Sumo Association about this. Hard collisions take place in sumo and there is a chance you can break your neck and die.

In sumo we make that hard contact every day. We can't bring women up to that dangerous place on the dohyo.

In sumo, it is said that men or sumo wrestlers must defend women. But traditionally, we have not expressed this. We did not talk about it.

A sumo wrestler is a warrior. On the dohyo, we vomit blood or get wounded.

Women are so noble and fighting is a man's job. This is the Japanese version of putting ladies first.

Is it discrimination against women?

No. Men should not be allowed to take women on the dohyo because it is the place of fighting.

Why do you think sumo is so important to Japan?

Because sumo is a symbol of strength. Strength to fight and defend women.

This is common thinking in the sumo world and it is very Japanese-like. It is hard to understand. But this is the reason that sumo has continued be part of the Japanese soul.

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(1) The usual reason I've seen for women not being allowed on the dohyo is that this is a sacred place that would be "defiled" by women. Takanohana's explanation (e.g., "dangerous place", "Japanese version of putting ladies first") is a much different tack than I've ever seen expressed before.

(2) "Hard collisions take place in sumo and there is a chance you can break your neck and die." Takanohana cerainly knows first hand about serious injuries on the dohyo; however, has there ever been a death directly from an event on the dohyo?

(3) Sumo "is a symbol of strength. Strength to fight and defend women. This is common thinking in the sumo world and it is very Japanese-like. It is hard to understand. But this is the reason that sumo has continued be part of the Japanese soul." Is this REALLY "common thinking in the sumo world"?

[Zenjimoto 40]

The choice of the word "Damsel" in the title is very appropriate. And I never stop learning. Now I know that sumo is all about defending helpless middle-aged women in the Kokugikan from the savage hordes of charging Otsukasas from the North. Not to mention the Mongols!! Shall they never lay a hand on the pure Japanese woman! (I am not worthy...)

Takanohana's arguments sound like a bunch of chauvinistic hooey. Although the governor's cup is probably pretty heavy to hand over to the Yusho winner, I doubt that it would break any woman's neck :-) Maybe it's more dangerous for women to be on the dohyo, because the people sitting in the first two rows might look up their dress! At least that would have been a more realistic explanation :-)

Cheers

Zenjimoto

Edited January 28, 2004 by Zenjimoto

[Mark Buckton 1]

A while ago, in Hokkaido, one of the most popular onsen (hot spring) towns posted signs banning all foreigners.

Reason - Russian sailors passing through had behaved badly in the baths and so deserved to be banned. Banning Russians only however, would be racist and unfair went the reasoning so ALL foreigners must be banned.

The reason I posted the above? Twisted logic as is seen above is at play also in Takanohana's words above.

Defending women - my #$*!.

And this by little brother - "A sumo wrestler is a warrior. On the dohyo, we vomit blood or get wounded"

Speak to the kokugikan staff and you'll find out that blood spilling is considered as impure as women are said to be and is far from the norm. T'would put a hefty delay in the day's bouts I understand and has closed the days sumo in the past - same.

Zenji-san's probably the closest to reality in modern Tokyo with his camera comments sadly enough.

ANR