Emperor Showa is reported to have only watched sumo tournaments on weekdays after 5pm. The reason for not switching on the TV for live transmissions earlier was that he didn't like to be indulging in a pastime while his subjects were still working. I used to use the same excuse (substitute 'subjects' with 'colleagues'), but the fact of the matter is the best wrestlers fight last and the biggest match-ups are on between 5pm and 6pm. This all came to mind when I switched on the TV today and caught some live sumo for the first time in yonks. I used to be hooked - line and sinker - but like many Japanese I've lost interest to a surprising degree. The wrestlers don't have the oomph of yesteryear and the sport is suffering from taking its support for granted in the boom years. (I once went with a family and they paid close to $1,000 for parking alone!) The economy is going to have to recover big time before sumo packs any weight with the majority of the populace again. If you're interested you can follow the current tournament via the Nihon Sumo Kyokai (Japan Sumo Association) website.
Posted by Joe at November 13, 2003 08:35 PMI haven't watched a one since my son gave up the sport.
Posted by: DJ at November 13, 2003 09:18 PMYou and I haven't missed much. Nothing I saw the other day made me want to switch it on again in the future.
Posted by: Joe at November 15, 2003 09:12 AMWell, if we want to relive old times we can always whip out the Konishiki CD ... NOT!!
Posted by: DJ at November 17, 2003 01:41 PMLet's give that a wide berth. ;+)
Posted by: Joe at November 17, 2003 03:13 PM