Sumo: A History of the Sport

by Judah Lyons

Sumo is the official national sport of Japan, as recognized by the country’s government. It is built around the simple concept of two nigh-naked men battling within a small roped ring, but actually has a far deeper meaning, which encompasses both Shinto beliefs and Japan’s most subtle cultural nuances. Historical records have the sport dating back at least 1500 years, with popular myths linking the sport to events even further back than that. Professionalized in the 18th century, sumo continues to thrive in the present-day, staging six tournaments a year with the average weight of competitors around 140 kilograms (308 lbs).

Genres: Nonfiction

65 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2012

Reviews

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great intro to Japan's national sport! For the time and effort it takes to get through this book, it's absolutely awesome.

Very quick, but very informative. And it's just enough to make me want to find the next book that will let me delve deeper into this sport.