When you visit the local shrine here you have the option of having a sumo match if the fancy takes you.

It may seem odd to have a spot for sumo in the middle of a shrine, but this seems to be a common enough thing for shrines to have. Shrines are often gathering places during summer festivals and so there will be traditional events set up on the shrine grounds. At this specific shrine they let the kids have sumo matches during some of these festivals. Kids love sumo and it's a common game for them to play when they are young.

According to mythology, the first sumo match took place in 23 BC. Seems like it was a vicious affair. It was fought between Taima no Kuehaya and Nomi no Sukune. Nomi broke one of Taima's ribs with a well-placed kick and then killed him with a second kick to his back. Brutal. Nomi is regarded as the founder of sumo.

^{Nomi no Sukune wrestling with Taima no Kehaya by Yoshitoshi}

The first historic match, however, didn't occur until 642. From this point forward it became a very popular event, usually held at the Emperor's court to entertain guests. Until the Heian period (794-1185) it was a much more violent game, with few rules, often resulting in the death of one of the fighters. But gradually more and more rules were added, making it into the highly ritualized game it is today.

For matches at this shrine, tho, there is little ritual. They will draw a circle on that mound and the kids go inside it. First person to touch a knee to the ground or be pushed outside the circle loses. There's always a long line of boys here to play!

David LaSpina is an American photographer and translator lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time and searching for the perfect haiku.

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