Latest news with #AutumnGrandSumoTournament
Yomiuri Shimbun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Sumo Scene / ‘Gomenfuda' Signage Stand as Remnant of Edo Sumo Tournaments Fundraising for Shrines, Temples
The present-day grand sumo tournament originated from 'kanjin zumo,' — events held to raise funds for temples or shrines during the Edo period (1603-1867) — and many customs remain that are closely tied to ones from those bygone days. As fans enter the grounds of the venue for a tournament, they may notice a large, vertical sign with the words 'gomen komuru' written in the large font specific to sumo. This is called a 'gomen-fuda,' which long ago was a sort of legal permit for the tournament. During the Edo period, when sumo matches were held to raise funds to construct a shrine or temple building, official authorization from the magistrate of shrines and temples was required. The sign was erected as proof of permission, and, it is said, to serve to widely announce the holding of the sumo tournament in town. The phrase 'gomen komuru' means permission granted by the shogunate. The present-day gomen-fuda continues that tradition, with the signs placed outside each venue several weeks before the start of a tournament. The name of the event organizer, in this case the Japan Sumo Association, is written in large characters below the tournament schedule and the venue name. On the day the placard is erected, the association hosts an event called a 'gomen-iwai' (permission celebration), to which concerned parties are invited and a banquet is held as an appeal for the successful holding of the tournament. This can be regarded as one of the charming old traditions of the sumo world. At IG Arena in Nagoya, which began a new history as the venue for the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, a gomen-fuda was erected near the entrance and remained in place until the final day of the tourney. Up to last year, when the tournament was held at Aichi Prefectural Gym, the gomen-fuda was erected near the east gate of Nagoya Castle. The sign blended in well against the castle's stone walls. With the change of venue, however, the look changed completely. The coexistence of a cultural tradition that has survived since the Edo period and the huge arena that boasts cutting-edge amenities offered a refreshing contrast. This month, a gomen-fuda will be erected in front of Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan in preparation for the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament in September. Seeing the gomen-fuda blend in with the Ryogoku neighborhood, certainly many people sense the change in seasons, reminded that the grand tournament is due to start soon. I hope that such positive traditions continue to be treasured. — Kamimura is a sumo expert.
The Mainichi
02-08-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Sumo: Hoshoryu being treated for fractured, dislocated big toe
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Grand champion Hoshoryu has a fractured and dislocated left big toe, the Japan Sumo Association said Friday in announcing the diagnoses of wrestlers who will miss the summer regional tour beginning this weekend. When the Mongolian-born yokozuna withdrew from the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on its fifth day, July 17, his medical certificate stated that he "had a sprained MTP joint in his left first toe and a bone contusion in his left first metatarsal, requiring one month of rest and treatment." Hoshoryu, a two-time champion in the elite makuuchi division, aggravated an injury he had sustained before the tournament when he took on Ukrainian grappler Aonishiki on the third day, according to his stablemaster Tatsunami. The regional tour starts Sunday. The Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament is scheduled to begin on Sept. 14 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Kyodo News
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Kyodo News
Sumo: Hoshoryu being treated for fractured, dislocated big toe
TOKYO - Grand champion Hoshoryu has a fractured and dislocated left big toe, the Japan Sumo Association said Friday in announcing the diagnoses of wrestlers who will miss the summer regional tour beginning this weekend. When the Mongolian-born yokozuna withdrew from the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on its fifth day, July 17, his medical certificate stated that he "had a sprained MTP joint in his left first toe and a bone contusion in his left first metatarsal, requiring one month of rest and treatment." Hoshoryu, a two-time champion in the elite makuuchi division, aggravated an injury he had sustained before the tournament when he took on Ukrainian grappler Aonishiki on the third day, according to his stablemaster Tatsunami. The regional tour starts Sunday. The Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament is scheduled to begin on Sept. 14 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Yomiuri Shimbun
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Sumo Scene / Rising Ukrainian Wrestler Aonishiki Looks to Make Waves in Summer Tourney
The Yomiuri Shimbun Aonishiki, right, launches an attack against Meisei on March 20 during one of his 11 wins in his makuuchi division debut at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka. The Summer Grand Sumo Tournament is fast approaching. If ozeki Onosato, fresh off winning a third career title in the Spring tourney, can achieve a similar result, it will heat up talk of his promotion to yokozuna. There is no dearth of topics for discussion regarding the tournament starting on May 11, but personally, I am most intrigued to see how Ukrainian wrestler Aonishiki fares in just his second tourney in the uppermost makuuchi division. Back in Ukraine, which has a rich history in combat sports, Aonishiki participated in amateur sumo and wrestling, and even competed internationally. However, following the Russian invasion into his homeland, he left his country in 2022 in search of a stable environment to continue practicing sumo. He made his way to Japan and joined the sumo club at Kansai University, where he immersed himself in his training. Through an introduction to stablemaster Ajigawa (former sekiwake Aminishiki) through a university connection, he turned pro and made his debut at the 2023 Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament. From there, he rapidly shot up the rankings, remarkably reaching the makuuchi division in just nine tournaments. Having just turned 21 in March, he has lofty ambitions. 'My goal is even higher,' he declared upon his promotion to the top tier. At the Spring tournament, early jitters led to a slow start. But as the competition progressed, he found his footing against the top competition. His style is particularly striking — despite standing a robust 1.82 meters, he consistently lowers his stance, rounds his back and drives forward relentlessly. His makuuchi debut notwithstanding, he found himself in contention for the championship until the closing days. On the final day, he defeated sekiwake Oho with a tenacious and well-executed attack to finish with an impressive 11-4 record that earned him the Fighting Spirit Prize. That drew high praise from Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hakkaku (former yokozuna Hokutoumi), who said: 'His core appears exceptionally strong. I look forward to seeing how he does in the future. 'Most importantly, his earnest commitment to sumo is noteworthy,' he added, a nod to the hardships Aonishiki has overcome. With a higher ranking — he is now a No. 9 maegashira — there is no doubt that the other wrestlers will be studying him, aiming to exploit any weaknesses. I am eager to see if he can create a Ukrainian sensation in the early summer ring, where his true potential will be tested. — Kamimura is a sumo expert.
