Sumo Wrestling

July in Nagoya = Sumo time!

There are 6 Grand Sumo tournaments each year: 3 in Tokyo, 1 in Nagoya, 1 in Osaka, and 1 in Fukuoka.

You all already know what sumo wrestling is. The rules are simple: the wrestler who first touches the ground with anything besides the soles of his feet, or who leaves the ring before his opponent, loses. Each match usually only last a few seconds. The bouts are intense, where wrestlers weighing an average of 330lbs. grapple at one another with their bare hands.

Sumo has a long history in Japan and is the nations oldest professional sport. The wrestlers wear their hair in a topknot, which apparently was a normal hairstyle in the Edo period (1603-1868). The referees wear the same kind of clothes as a samurai from 600 years ago. Many aspects of Japanese culture can be seen in sumo, such as throwing salt into the ring to purify it before the wrestlers begin a match.

Loved the referee's hot pink kimono.

Funny expression by the guy on the left.

The top division of the wrestlers' hierarchy.

Let's go!

Did this skinny foreign guy really think he had a chance?  He was up against a guy at least twice his size!

Lat match of the day = the best match!!

Judges discussing the bout. They actually made the 2 men above during the last bout of the day do a re-match!! It was very exciting to be a part of the crowd!

There are no weight restrictions or classes in sumo. So it's normal that a wrestler can find themselves matched against someone many times their size. Sumo wrestlers used to all be Japanese, but in recent years there has been an increase in foreign wrestlers, coming from Mongolia, Bulgaria, China, & Russia, just to name a few.

I know sumo wrestlers often get made fun of by foreigners --- they are overweight, dressed in a thong, and somewhat silly looking with their hair slicked up in a topknot. But really, being a sumo wrestler takes hard work and dedication. It's not just a job, it's a complete way of life. Every sumo wrestler belongs to a stable, which is where they live while they are young. Referees, ushers, and hairdressers also live in the stables. They live together and train together throughout their careers, dedicating their lives to the sport. They are incredibly strong, and well respected in Japan. Unfortunately though, I did read that the average life expectancy of a sumo wrestler is between 60-65, which is 10 years shorter than the average Japanese male.

A really easy to read and understand kid's website dedicated to sumo is here if you're interested in reading more. :)

This was our second time going to a Sumo tournament. Tickets are a bit pricey, but you do get all-day entertainment. Elodie even enjoyed it - she was able to play on the floor (all seating is pretty much on the floor) and we had our own private little "box." She thought it was fun to clap when everyone else was also cheering. Fun day, and overlal unique Japanese experience!!

10 Months

It amazes me how quickly babies learn new skills. Each month Elodie has learned so many new things, but this past month seems to have been an especially huge one for her! She's learned so many new skills and has had several new experiences. :)

She now waves "hi" and "bye-bye," pretty consistently (especially to the ladies at our apartment front desk). She also signs "more," although it looks more like clapping, and she doesn't use it consistently yet.

She has tried a variety of new foods, and has liked them all - salmon, pizza, mac & cheese, quesadilla, eggs, pasta, blueberry pancakes, okonomiyaki, banana bread, bagels... just to name a few!! She's eating way more "grown up" foods instead of the pureed baby food - which is actually way more convenient for me!! No more having to always prepare baby food for her, because she eats pretty much what we eat now.

She has also made huge progress physically. She can now go from laying down to a sitting position (and of course vice versa), stands by herself when holding onto something, walks really well when supported, and finally a couple of days ago she started to crawl!!

She has also figured out the game of "chase" when in her walker. She thinks it's hilarious when I chase her around the house... and she runs really really fast! I'll try to post a video this week of her doing it - it's super cute!

Her left top 2 teeth have broken through (the front left and the one next to it). The one next to it actually broke through first, which seems a little odd. She's quite the biter these days, too.

We're still doing baby swimming, 3 times a week. She still loves it and is doing great in the class! We've also been going to a play room inside a department store downtown a couple of times a week - which has been great for Elodie. She's become very attached to me, and is going through some major separation anxiety issues right now. So I'm trying to get out and about and have her around other babies as much as possible. We've made some new friends by doing this, which has been great for both of us. :)

Happy 10-Months, Peanut!!!

Karaoke, Japanese Style

Got the urge to sing? Japan knows how to take care of that with Karaoke!!

Karaoke is a popular entertainment pastime in Japan, which may seem odd if you don't come from Asia (it still seems odd to me). 

In the U.S., karaoke is a scary adventure when you get on stage to sing in front of people you don't know. Yet, if you ask any Japanese person of any age, they will most likely tell you that they often go to karaoke with family and friends. Majorly different from the U.S., Japan has "karaoke boxes." These are individual private rooms (with a closed door), where you can sing without disturbing anyone else. There are rooms small enough for one person, and large enough for a party.

Karaoke boxes have the typical equipment - karaoke player, screen, & microphones, and a huge selection of both Japanese and foreign songs to pick from. You can also order food and drinks and have it served right to your room. Many karaoke boxes are open 24/7.

There are Karaoke bars everywhere in Japan!! They are mainly geared towards businessmen, who come to relax after a stressful day at work and who can afford to pay for high-priced drinks. But it's definitely a popular source of entertainment for people of all ages here.

Singing is not my thing.... and I really don't enjoy karaoke at all. Of course I don't mind going to listen and cheer people on, but being put on the spot to sing is just not my thing. Joe, however, loves it. So when given the opportunity to go out with Miyoko and friends, he gladly accepted the offer! Here's a few pictures from his crazy night out...

I'm glad Joe was able to go out and have a relaxing, fun night with friends. Thanks for the pictures, Miyoko!