Fujisan 533 Posted January 8, 2003 I assumed it was an expressionof delight,usually after a Yokozuna is defeated and a Rikishi earns a Kinboshi,but the book I have says it is meant to show displeasure at a Rikishis performance,in support of this at the last basho when Takanonami beat Musashimaru,the fans where throwing them at Maru. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yubiquitoyama 4 Posted January 8, 2003 I assumed it was an expressionof delight,usually after a Yokozuna is defeated and a Rikishi earns a Kinboshi,but the book I have says it is meant to show displeasure at a Rikishis performance,in support of this at the last basho when Takanonami beat Musashimaru,the fans where throwing them at Maru. While I suppose there are people who do it for that reason (the same way there are always people doing things for other reasons than the most common one), that is not the best interpretation of the throwing of zabuton. It's for the general pleasure of having seen a great and unexpected upset, and as a positive gesture towards the winner. The negative aspect against the losing yokozuna is a minor factor as far as I understand. Which book have this suspect explanation of zabuton throwing? I haven't seen it in the books I have read. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kotoseiya Yuichi 3 Posted January 8, 2003 I also don't remember ever hearing or reading about zabuton no-gakkai considered a negative gesture towards the losing rikishi, be him of any rank. If some of the cushions do hit someone, that's a matter of pure chance. Try throwing a pillow at someone walking 30 metres from you. :-P Then again, had the losing rikishi done something extraordinarily objectionable, I might buy that claim... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Manekineko 200 Posted January 8, 2003 I've always had the feeling (and I might have mentioned that already) that throwing zabuton is much like throwing hats in the air here in the west, in old times when almost everyone wore a hat of some kind... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fujisan 533 Posted January 8, 2003 Thats what I was thinking Yubi,I wouldnt think there are any hard and fast reasons but it is mostly meant as a sign of delight.The book I read it inwas one of the two books released in the late 80s in conjunction with Channel 4 in Englands showing sumo on English Tv for the first time,its quite informative. I understand what your saying Yuichi about trying to hit a wrestler in the Dohyo from 30 metres but Im referring to when Maru had left the ring and was walking back along the aisle between the seats,I mean Maru's a big enough target. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
