相撲の歴史英語版

Sumo

History

Origin of sumo is very old. Ancient age tomb depicts sumo-like scene. When we study sumo history, we find sumo is quite often told in myths. One of those myths told us that two gods called ”Takemikazuchi” and “Takeminakata” grabbed their arms each other and threw one another.
Apart from those myths, the oldest sumo match done by human being was said the one between Nomino- Sukune and Tagimano-Kuehaya. In this match, Sukune kicked Kuehaya down to the earth. Kicking down is not allowed in contemporary sumo. Although this was totally different from existing sumo, Sukune, is anyhow, deemed as father of sumo.
On July 7 of 7th year of The Emperor Suinin reign(A.D.360),Taimano -Kehaya of Tagimamura,Yamato bragged himself saying that no one throughout this country was stronger than him. Knowingly this rumor, The Emperor summoned his subjects to recommend any sumo wrestler to compete with the bragger. Accordingly, Nomino-Sukune from Izumo was recommended Then, the match was set. This was considered origin of sumo.
However, this fight had, contrary to current sumo, been continued until an either became fatally defeated. Sukune got Kehaya's ribs broken, thus Kehaya was dead. With this win, Sukune was given Kuehaya's domain from The Emperor and he was allowed to serve The Emperor as one of the majesty's subjects. As his descendants became engaged in clay image firing works, the family was donated the name “ Haji” from the royal highness. The Haji family inclusive of Michizane Sugawara, then a most talented scholar and ,at the same time, influential government official became one of influential clans. Because of this, we can notice Nomino-Sukune enshrined , together with Michizane Sugawara at same time at Tenjin Shrines which were especially built for Michizane . On the other hand, the eponymous shrines which Nomino-Sukune is enshrined as a god of sumo are available in Tatsuno city ,Hyogo and Sumida-ward, Tokyo . Furthermore, there are epitaphs and/or five roofed stone towers(built in early years of Kamakura era) praising Sukune’s achievement at 12 gods shrines in Sakurai city, Nara and Izumo, Shimane.
The first reference to sumo was made by Nihon Shoki, the oldest book on Japanese mythological history, told us that The Emperor Kougoku, in his first year(A.D.642) ,made Kondei (young coteries)performed sumo in front of envoy from Kudara (then, ruled the whole of Korea) king's clan. In 3rd year of Jinki(A.D.726),The Emperor Seimu dispatched his imperial envoys to 21 shrines of his country inclusive of Ise Shrine and offered them sumo performance in order to appreciate the year's rich crop.
On July 7 of 6th Tenpyou(A.D.734), TheEmperor Syomu summoned all sumo wrestlers from every corners of his country to gather at his court and make sumo matches reminding the first match of sumo between Nomino-Tsukune and Tagimano-Kuehaya on the very same day of some hundred years ago.＊Zoku Nihon-Ki=Second series of Japanese History＊。This was thought as origin of Tenran-Sumo(in auspice of the Emperor). This also indicates the beginning of the ceremony called “Sumaino-Sechie”.
Age of Bushi(Warrior) On April 3 of 1st Bunji(A.D.1189),Yoritomo Minamoto, the first Kamakura Shogun( a general of Warriors'government)had inspected a sumo performance at Kamakura Hachiman Shrine. *Azuma Kagami* This is the first Shogun Joran Sumo.(Sumo performance in presence of Shogun). On October 15 of 1st Shoka (A.D.1257),Shogun Joran Sumo was done by Tokiyori Hojo ,*Azuma Kagami* During Muromachi Era (A.D.1392 to A.D.1573),Ashikaga Shoguns had often visited sumo performance.
and during later of this age,some　sumo wrestlers became professional. On March 3 of 1st Genki(A.D.1570), Shogun Joran Sumo was done by Nobunaga Oda at Johrakuji Temple *Nobunagako Koki=Nabunaga Biography* On February 29 of 6th Tensho(A.D.1578), the same was done at Azuchi Castle. Even after the succumb of Nobunaga, it was succeeded by Hideyoshi Toyotomi and Hidetsugu, the son of Hideyoshi.
In 5th Bunroku(A.D.1596), 10 pro-sumo wrestlers resided in Kansai made the first sumo tour in Chikugo, Kyushu. Edo era had started, and Kanjin Sumo became popular in Kyoto, Edo (now Tokyo) and Osaka. Kanjin Sumo was originally intended to contribute some profit to shrines or temples when they are newly built or repaired. Local pro- sumo wrestler groups used to join these activities. Gradually, even profit only professional sumo was also called “Kanjin Sumo”. This is because a special permission was necessitated from Bakufu (Edo Shognate Government)even for without- contribution sumo as well as Kanjin Sumo .
When sumo is held, big sumo wrestlers loiter around and streets becomes crowded and Taiko(sumo drum) from a scaffold sounds loudly from early morning and so on. So, impresario of sumo performance had to obtain a pardon permission from Bakufu to cause aforementioned inconvenience and noise among neighbors. When they are permitted, a scaffold is set up for taiko　yagura and a notice board called”Gomen-Fuda”
(a pardon bulletin) saying that they obtained a permission from authority concerned is hoisted with some ceremony. This practice is succeeded by contemporary ohsumo as well. Immediately after an official permission is obtained, they make some ceremony called “Gomen-Iwai” inviting authorities concern such as municipal office, fire department, police, health office and mass communication and they inform them of schedule etc of basho(where sumo tournament is held). You can not start preparatory works such as setup of taiko yagura(drum scaffolding),spectator seat, dohyo construction, advance ticketing and etc until you finish Gomen Iwai. Thus, sumo is unique sports having a long tradition and practice. In June of 2nd Shoho(A.D.1645),sumo in presence of imperial highness was held at Tadamori, Kyoto.*Kokon Sumo Taizen=All Sumo History Old & Now*
In 1st Jyoukyo(A.D.1684), sumo in presence of Edo Shogunate was held at Tomioka Hachiman Shrine, Tokyo. Thus, this shrine was called as origin of Edo Kanjin Sumo. In 33rd Meiji(A.D.1901), Kyugoro Jinmaku, the 12th Yokozuna, initiated to build epitaph praising past Yokozunas together with
Hirofumi Itoh, Aritimo Yamagata, Shigenobu Ohkuma,(They are all outstanding figures during Meiji Revolution).
In April of 15th Genroku(A.D.1702), Kanjin Sumo held at Horie,Osaka which does not make any contribution to shrines or temples was first permitted by Bakufu . This Kanjin Sumo was further developed to current Ohsumo.
During Kyoho Era(A.D.1716 to A.D.1735), sumo wrestlers ranking chart called “banzuke” had appeared in both Osaka and Kyoto. In 7th Horeki(A.D.1757), a vertically written banzuke was first issued in Tokyo. This indicated Edo became independent from Osaka and Kyoto, banzuke of which were horizontally written. In October of 11th Horeki(A.D.1761), the writing of Kanjin Sumo held at Kuramae Hachiman Shrine had been changed to Kanjin Ohsumo. In November of 1st Kansei (A.D.1789),Yoshida-Tsukasa family gave a license for Yokozuna Dohyo-iri performance to Kisaburo Onogawa and Kajinosuke Tanikaze. This is said as a substantial foundation of current Yokozuna system.

Kisaburo Onogawa Kajinosuke Tanikaze

In April of 2nd Kaei (A.D.1849), Shogun Joran Sumo by Ieyoshi Tokugawa was held at Edo Castle.

On June 3 of 6th Kaei (A.D.1853),Perry led a fleet of battleships to Uraga. This point is a　time of change in Japanese history. An Ukiyoe depicts a sumo wrestler throwing a crew of the fleet. Cyohsyu (now,Yamaguchi Pref) was defeated at the Kinmon battle and voice of Kobu-Gattai (alliance of imperial highness and shogunate government ) became stronger than Sonnou-Jooi (revere Imperial highness and reject foreign invasion) there. In December of 1st Genji(A.D.1864), Shinsaku Takasugi, in a peril of this trend and in order to repel it, again rose in arms
at KohzajiTemple with help from a squadron of 30 sumo wrestlers led by Shunsuke (later; Hirofumi Itoh:the 1st. Prime Minister)

, and 50 fighters led by Kogoro Ishikawa. At a later day, Kiheitai and other militia also joined this force. In March of 2nd Genji(A.D.1865), Sonnou Jooi group had consequently won over Kobu Gattai fraction. and they got a hegemony leading Cyohsyu against Tokugawa Shogunate and won over them. Ryoma Sakamoto of Kameyama-Shachu also helped Takasugi and others in this battle and contributed a lot to this win . Ryoma also coordinated alliance of Cyohsyu and Satsuma(now, Kagoshima Pref.) to fight together against the Edo government. Reversion of sovereignty from Edo Bakufu to Imperial Highness. Toba-Fushimi(in Kyoto) Battle. In April 11 of Keio (A.D.1867),Edo Castle had been surrendered without any resistance.

End of Edo era. Thus, feudal lords had bankrupted. Sumo wrestlers who feudal lords employed became difficult to exist.
After the Meiji Restoration On April 17 of 4th Keio (1st Meiji,A.D.1868),The Emperor Meiji had been presence at Kyoto sumo held at Zama Shrine,Osaka. In March of 2nd Meiji(A.D.1869),Osaka sumo abolished their banzuke of horizontally written of two(East/West) columns and unified to Edo style of vertical written of one. In June of same year, Daimyo’s domains had been abolished,. Consequently, their sumo wrestlers were unemployed. In March of 4th Meiji(A.D.1971), a joint sumo of triple cities(Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo)had first been held in Kyoto. In August of same year, Meiji Restoration Government proclaimed Bobbed Hair Order, but mage(sumo wrestler hair style) became exceptional from this order.
In January of 21st Meiji(A.D.1889), the letter of Juryo on banzuke sheet was written a little bolder than before. In January of 22nd Meiji(A.D.1890), Tokyo sumo had changed the nomination of Sumo Kaisho which had been used from Edo era to Tokyo Ohkakuteii Kyokai(ozumo kyoukai) . and limited the number of Toshiyori (retired sumo wrestlers who can stay at the association after retirement as they own certain amount of the share)to 88. In February of 42nd Meiji(A.D.1910), Tokyo Ohsumo Association added a stipulation clearly stating that nomination of Yokozuna should be limited to champion wrestlers only, not for the highest ranked wrestlers .
In June of same year, Kokugikan( national sumo game pavilion ) was built, so that it could be possible to hold 10 days successive performance without any cessation regardless of weather. In January of 43rd Meiji(A.D.1911), both Tokyo and Osaka Ohsumo Association had broken up their relationships because of Yokzuna problem of Ohkido of Osaka. In November of 1st Taisho(A.D.1912), both associations had reconciled. In September of 12th Taisho(A.D.1923), Ryogoku Kokugikan had wholly been burned down by Kanto Mega Earthquake
. In April of 14th Taisho(A.D.1925), sumo performance had been held to cerebrate the birthday of The Emperor Showa at east court of Akasaka Imperial Palace, Tokyo. With allowance from The Emperor Taisho, Emperor’s Cup to be donated
In July of same year, both Tokyo and Osaka Ohsumo Associations, competing with each other so far, had dissolved themselves and made a sign to unify both associations into one. Tokyo had proposed Osaka that both ohsumo could compete with each other for the Emperor’s Cup which had before been given for Tokyo only. Thus, their face being saved, Osaka had accepted Tokyo’s proposal and agreed to be unified. On December 28, Ministry of Education/Culture had approved Dai-Nihon Sumo Kyoukai (Great Japan Sumo Wrestling Association), as a public corporate. In 15th Taisho(A.D. 1926), Tsunenohna, 31st Yokozuna, won the January basho and got the first Emperor’s Cup. In January of 2nd Showa(A.D.1927), both Tokyo and Osaka Sumo Associations had officially unified and named the unified Association as Great Japan Sumo Wrestling Association. In January of 3rd Showa(A.D.1928), shikiri is regulated to be lined in the span of 60 cm in between both lines of white at the center of dohyo. Time limit for shikiri was also set up as being 10 minutes for makuuchi, 7 minutes for juryo and 5 minutes for makushita. In May of 5th Showa(A.D.1931), diameter of dohyo is also regulated as 15 shaku (4.95 m), and dually encircled straw bags into one. and the roof of dohyo to be constructed in Shinmei style. In January of 7th Showa (A.D. 1937), those sumo wrestlers of Dewanoumi faction ranked in west of banzuke besieged Shunju-en, Ohoi,Tokyo, appealing to renewal of sumo-do(How should sumo be). Some wrestlers ranked in east also joined this appeal, retiring from the association. This caused cancellation of the January sasho. This was called as Shunju-en Incident. In 12th Showa(A.D.1937), Dai-Kokugikan (national sumo pavilion) was completed at Sekime, Joto-ward, Osaka and pre -Osaka basho was held on both days of June 12 & 13. In May of 14th Showa (A.D.1939), sumo basho of 15 days started.
After Outbreak of Pacific War between Japan and U.S.A. In December of 16th Showa (A.D.1941), Japan made a sudden attack in Pearl Harbor. The war between Japan and U.S.A. had begun. Nevertheless, ohsumo had been continued as follows; Showa(A.D.) Basho Champion Ranking Heya Outcome 16(1941) spring Futabayama Yokozuna Tatsunami 14-1 summer Haguroyama Ozeki Tatsunami 14-1 17(1942) spring Futabayama Yokozuna Futabayama 14-1 summer Futabayama Yokozuna Futabayama 13-2 18(1943) spring Futabayama Yokozuna Futabayama 15-0 summer Futabayama Yokozuna Futabayama 15-0 19(1944) spring Saganohana Komusubi Nishonoseki 13-2 summer Haguroyama Yokozuna Tatsunami 10-0 autumn Maedayama Ozeki Takasago 9-1 20(1945) summer Bishuyama 1st Maegashira Isegahama 7-0 autumn Haguroyama Yokozuna Tatsunami 10-0 In 19th Showa(A.D.1944),

Ryogoku Kokugikan had been taken over by military. And some sumo wrestlers had been called for a military training. In May of same year, 10 days sumo when not rainy, was held at Korakuen Stadium. In November, same was done at same place. In March of 20th Showa(A.D.1945), by US air-strike, Ryogoku Kokugikan was damaged. In June of same year, 7 days sumo was held at damaged Kokugikan without any announcement. In August of same year, the war had ended . In November of 20th Showa(A.D.1945), first postwar hon-basho(regular tournament of ohsumo) of 10 days was held at the damaged Ryogoku Kokugikan. In December of same year, US occupation HQ had taken over Kokugikan. In 21st Showa(A.D.1946), hon-basho(summer) had been cancelled since repairmen of the damaged Kokugikan had largely been delayed. In June o 22nd Showa(A.D. 1947), natsu(summer)-basho of 10 days when not rainy was held at Meiji-Jingu-Gaien. In November of same year, aki(autumn)-basho of 10 days when not rainy was held at the same place. 3 awards of most valuable prize, fighting spirit prize and technically excellent prize were established from this basho. In May of 23rd Showa(A.D.1948), natsu-basho of 11 days when not rainy was held at Meiji-Jingu-Gaien. In October of same year, hon-basho of 11 days was held at Osaka temporary Kokugikan. In January of 24th Showa(A.D.1949), hon-basho of 13 days was held at Hamacho temporary Kokugikan. In May of the same year, natsu-basho of 15 days was held at Hamacho temporary Kokugikan. On October 23 of the same year, Ozeki Chiyonoyama (Dewanoumi ) became champion at record of 13-2. In January of 25th Showa(1950), 15 days ohsumo was held at temporary Kokugikan set up at Kuramae, Tokyo. Kuramae where matches were always heated and people were so excited had repeatedly been repaired but no roof on it. In January of 60th Showa(A.D.1985),new Kokugikan had been completed at Ryogoku, Tokyo but in order to keep the atmosphere, roof had not been set up there. In July of 27th Showa(A.D.1952), rikishi-nobori(sumo wrestler banner) had been hoisted since 43 years when done at Ekoin, Honjo, Tokyo of 42nd Meiji(A.D. 1910). In September of the same year, pillars had been withdrawn from the four corners of dohyo and instead, four colored tassels were hung from suspended roof . These four colored tassels of blue, red, white and black are such talisman as protecting each of four corner s of dohyo, namely east, south, west and north in order. It also means four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter. In January of 28thShowa(A.D.1953), it was decided that hon-basho would regularly beheld at 4 throughout the year as spring –basho at Osaka while summer, autumn and winter at Tokyo.In September of 29th Showa(1954), Kuramae Kokugikan was completely repaired, and natsu-basho was held there.

In May of 30th Showa(A.D.1955), The Emperor Showa had inspected 10th day of natsu-basho held at Kuramae Kokugikan for the first time since end of the Pacific War. And he left tanka( Japanese brief poem) chanting his relief from miserable war with settlement and recovery and appreciation of being peaceful
In January of 32nd Showa(A.D.1957), it was decided to add one more sumo tournament in November at Kyushu to said four basho. Thus, hon –basho became 5. In January of 33rd Showa(A.D.1958), it was also decided to add one more in July at Nagoya, Thus hon-basho became 6 in total. In January of the same year, Dai Nihon Sumo Kyokai had been altered to Nihon Sumo Kyokai(Japan Sumo Wrestling Association). The 2nd chapter of the corporate stipulation says that they intend a healthy growth of sumo-do and contribute to the public for their physical or spiritual betterment. In March of the same year, Wakanohana, the 45th Yokozuna ,inaugurated. Since then, a boom of Tochi (Tochinishiki, powerful Yokozuna opponent of Wakanohana)vs Waka Age had come. In due course of TV prevailing throughout this country of this age, another good matches such as Taiho vsKashiwado Age, Kitanoumi vs Takanohana Age, Chiyonofuji hegemony became booming successively. In January of 43rd Showa(A.D.1968), Prime Minister Award was newly established. In May of 45th Showa(A.D.1970), span of both shikiri lines was extended to 70 cm from 60 cm. On October 4 of 59th Showa(A.D. 1984), Kuramae Kokugikan had been closed. In January of 60th Showa(A.D.1985), Ryogoku Kokugikan had newly been opened.
In January of 7th Heisei(A.D.1995), Takanohana, the 65th Yokozuna, inaugurated. In July of 10th Heisei(A.D.1998), Wakanohana, the 66th Yokozuna, inaugurayed. Waka-Taka age had started. In January of 13th Heisei(A.D.2001), number of trick was officially limited to 82. Physical check for recruiting sumo wrestler newly was revised as; 173 m minimum for height and 75 kg minimum for weight for first pass and for those who could not reach minimum required in the first pass can get another test of their physical ability if they are higher than 167 cm and heavier than 67 kg. There was also a revision in makushita ranking system; according to outcome of amateur sumo, the can be classified into makushita 10th to 15th grade. In March of 15th Heisei(A.D.2003), Asashoryu, the 68th Yokozuna, inaugurated. Local sumo tour was changed from a volunteering of Japan Sumo Wrestling Association to sold-out to each local impresario. In January of 16th Heisei(A.D.2004), official injury rule was abolished. Activity of foreign sumo wrestlers became outstanding in upper ranks. In December of 17th Heisei(A.D.2005), Japan Sumo Wrestling Association cerebrated the 80th birth since its corporate In 19th Heisei(A.D.2007), May tournament counted a record high18 foreign sumo wrestlers . In July of the same year, Nagoya-basho cerebrated 50th birth since its debut. In September of 20th Heisei(A.D.2008), the Association had first called in council member from outer circle. In January of 22nd Heisei(A.D.2010), Asashoryu, Yokozuna fromMongol ,the3rd ranked championship winner of 25 times in sumo history, had to quit himself from ohsumo because of lack of Yokozuna decency qualification. On October 10th of the same year, Sumainosechie as a national ceremony of July 7 in presence of then Emperor had reappeared at Heijokyo site of Nara city when they cerebrated 1300th years since transfer of their capitol to Heijokyo in Nara. There,10 amateur sumo wrestlers performed it waiting for the emperor’s judgment for ambiguous match as thought so in Sumainosechie. In March of 23rd Heisei(A.D.2011), the March tournament had been cancelled. Cancellation of hon basho is only twice in ohsumo history . Another one is natsu-basho of 21st Showa for delay of repairmen of bombarded Kokugikan . In April of the same year, hon-basho of May had been held free without admission fee as titled as a checking basho of sumo wrestlers technicality. In July of the same year, ohsumo had been normalized, holding July tournament. In January of 24th Heisei(A.D.2012), Kitanoumi was elected as 12th director general of the association.

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