The Way of Salt: Understanding Japan and Sumo

by Ash Warren

The Way of Salt is an exploration of Japanese culture as seen through the lens of the country's 'national sport' - sumo. Rather than being simply a 'what is sumo' book, this book will greatly help you to understand both Japanese cultural history and the psychology that links sumo to the Japanese psyche. Written in a clear and understandable way that even a total newcomer to Japan and sumo can grasp, and with a full glossary of useful Japanese terminology, this book greatly assist you to become not simply conversant with Japanese culture but also much more fluent in your understanding of this ancient art. This book is by far one of the most interesting books not only on sumo but also on the culture that gave rise to it that you will ever read.

Genres: Nonfiction, Japan

115 pages, Paperback

Published January 11, 2020

Reviews

[Mary Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick intro to the sumo culture and important concepts

Ash Warren provides an introduction to sumo and its connections to Japanese culture. He doesn't get the reader enmeshed in trivia, but teaches core concepts. There is a glossary of important terms,in addition. Quick read and good even for people who have been longtime sumo fans, as he dispells some myths and puts things in perspective that could be confusing for non-Japanese sumo fans.

[Jilly Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

've been a fan of Sumo for many years but this is undoubtedly the best book I've read on the subject.
It's well written, concise and very enlightening, explaining the cultural and religious meanings of this way of life and why the Rikishi conduct themselves in the way they do.
The glossary is very comprehensive and useful for those who are just beginning to enjoy watching the sport.
Buy the book - it will give you a good understanding of why Sumo is so revered in Japanese culture.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part memoir, part anthropological study, part "idiot's guide to", The Way of Sumo is a great introduction to the sport. The book could have benefitted greatly from editing to polish the language and keep things more focussed and concise. I was most impressed by the breadth of research taken by the author (and would have loved a source list so that I could readily take such a deep dive myself). There were areas with which I disagreed, however this is not a weakness: Warren makes it very clear that there are many ambiguities in sumo culture, and much debate around these. I walked away feeling like a spirited debate with the author would be a very enjoyable exercise.