Figure 1.--Here we see one of the competuing teams (maku-uchi rikishi) before a sumo match. We thought at first the boy here was the wawird bearer, but this seems to be another phase of the pre-match ruitual. Perhaps out Japanese readers will be able to tell us what is involved here. The boys here are still wearing shifts so you can not see the beautifully embroidered apronss (kesho-mawashi). You can see the ceremonial ring (dohyo) in the background where the actual matches are held.

The ritual and decorum of sumo is unique in the world of sport. Sumo has managed to survive to modern times with its highly formalized ritual and esquiste etiquette virtually intact. Each day of tournament bouts begin with the juryo performing a ceremony before the daily matches. Then comes the picturesque 'entering the ring' ceremony (doyo-iri). Down one aisle come the first team of competitors (maku-uchi rikishi). The order of entry is determined by ranking. The lower ranking rikishi come first and the more senior rikishi after them. The rikishi wear ceremonial aprons (kesho-mawashi). The rikishi then climb into the ring (dohyo) and carry out a a short ritual founded in ancient tradition. They then exit the dohyo and the opposing team enters down the opposite aisle and carry out the same ritual. The primary roles in the dohyo-iri are conducted by the ranling sumo masters (yokozuna). A yokozuna comes down the aisle after the lower ranking rikishi have entered. They are attended by a senior gyoji and two maku-uchi rikishi in kesho-mawashi. One is the sword bearer. Only after these ceremonies do the scheduled maku-uchi matches begin.

Created: 4:49 PM 3/22/2011
Last updated: 4:49 PM 3/22/2011