Introduction and beya question

[Guest demonluv]

Hi everyone, how is everyone doing? Just wanted to introduce myself and request some information on something, as I was not sure what section to post this particular question, so I just included it in my intro.

I'm curious if you guys can offer me some tips or suggestions for a foreigner to visit a sumo beya. I'll be in Japan from late July to early August, and I would really like to visit one. Could anyone reccomend one in/around the Tokyo, or Hokkaido area that is particularily good, and friendly towards visitors (particularily foreign visitors with beginner level Japanese vocabulary, I'll be coming from Canada)

As well, I'm an artist and it would be ideal if I could take alot of photos (without flash of course, dont want to distrub/anger them!) and do some sketches in my sketchbook of the wrestlers physiques, where else am I going to get a chance to draw body types like this!

Any suggestions/tips I would really appreciate, or if this is the wrong place to ask, direction to the right section to ask this question? Thanks alot everyone

[Jonosuke 28]

I'll be in Japan from late July to early August, and I would really like to visit one. Could anyone reccomend one in/around the Tokyo, or Hokkaido area that is particularily good, and friendly towards visitors (particularily foreign visitors with beginner level Japanese vocabulary, I'll be coming from Canada)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The guys are in Nagoya till the end of July - this year if I recall there is no Jyungyo to Hokkaido so you are out of luck there. You might be able to catch them in Tokyo in early August.

However it all pays to call them the day before. If I remember there is somewhere on here, heya's addresses, so depending on where you are staying, check the one closest to you. However it will be best if you are near Ryogoku.

Personally I think Kasugano Beya may be friendly to Canadians ever since I gave Tochisakae a Leafs jersey and you can even check up on Sawai while you are there (just a note if you are still thinking seriously of going there, it's one of the closest heyas from Ryogoku Station but I have to tell you that right after I've given him the jersey, he promptly drop down to Juryo....)

[TokyoBelle 0]

Hi - lots of my friends here in Tokyo have been to the beyas nearby. I think there are several that are friendly to visitors and as long as you ring in advance to let them know you are coming, it is fine (need a Japanese speaker for this - your hotel concierge can arrange it). You must go early in the morning to catch the practice and someone outside will tell you proper etiquette whilst watching (no noise, don't point your feet toward the dohyo, etc.). Ryogoku has a map of the area and it lists several within a few blocks walk.

Let me know via a message if I can help in any way.

[Guest demonluv]

Thanks for the input and tips you guys. Do you know generally what the etiquette for taking photographs is in a beya? From the sound of things, and the rules of a beya I dont think I'll be able to bust out my sketchbook, but I'd like to be able to take a bunch of photos. Of course without flash, and my digital camera is totally silent, I'm just wondering if taking photos is even allowed, or if it's discouraged.

thanks again

[Fujisan 511]

Welcome to the forum Dluv- :-)

Throw in your salt and your opinions and make yourself at home. (Sigh...)

Can I ask you about your name and why you chose it?

[Guest demonluv]

Welcome to the forum Dluv- (I am not worthy...)

Throw in your salt and your opinions and make yourself at home. (In a state of confusion...)

Can I ask you about your name and why you chose it?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for the welcome. I'm an artist, and although I like to do alot of 'old school' art like figure drawing and the like, I also like drawing my own creations; I like to draw alot of creatures and demons, which is where my name comes from

[Burainoan 0]

Generally, all heya allow flashless photography, but it's best to ask first as a polite formality. i don't imagine that they would have any objection to your bringing a sketchpad to make sketches with, so long as you are not figuring on asking any of them to sit for a posed sketch.

one other thing...it is considered polite to bring some form of small gift to "express gratitude" for being allowed to watch asageiko. it is by no means required or expected, just a good idea. it is generally presented to the heyagashira (the highest ranking rikishi at the heya), though if there's another rikishi in the same heya you like better, that's fine too. it will also usually get you a short meeting with the rikishi in question. bringing something from Canada would be especially welcome; they like getting things from foreign countries. (note Jonosuke's gift of a Leafs jersey as a prime example.)

if you want autographs, be sure to bring shikishi (square white pieces of thick paperboard; any stationery shop should have them) and a black brush pen or marker.

oh, and Welcome!!

[Guest demonluv]

one other thing...it is considered polite to bring some form of small gift to "express gratitude" for being allowed to watch asageiko.

Edited May 26, 2005 by demonluv