One-man sumo at Oyamazumi Shrine

[Sumo Menko Man 13]

I was reading Lyall Watson's Sumo and he mentions one-man sumo at Oyamazumi Shrine on 9 September each year? Has anyone ever been to watch? I looked online for some videos, but only found some random pictures.

[Umigame 82]

I had never heard of this before, but I found a few videos of it below. Fascinating stuff!

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_quer...%8A%9B&aq=f

(For searching in Japanese, note that this ritual uses the kanji "角力" for sumo, instead of the usual "相撲".)

[Jejima 1,415]

[Torabayama 51]

I think I read about this or saw it before from Japanland by Karin Muller. Its a book but was also a short series that followed her around on her travels of Japan. She had a a segment on sumo and also this festival that you're referring to. I found her style and personality irritating on the documentary and the book nearly unreadable but she did highlight some interesting activities in Japan. There may be some clips on YouTube as well.

Edited April 28, 2010 by Torabayama