The Way of Salt: Sumo and the Culture of Japan

by Ash Warren

Genres: Nonfiction, Japan, Sports, Philosophy, History, Martial Arts

188 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2022

Reviews

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sep 22, 9am ~~ Review asap.

Sep 23, noon ~~ I loved this book for a few reasons.

First of all, it was published originally in 2020, much more recently than the other titles in my new and growing sumo library. It was wonderful to see pictures of some of the very men I have been watching during the fifteen days of the September tournament!

Second, the author doesn't flood the reader with rules and data. Not every book about sumo has to have that information. What Warren does is try to explain how sumo got started and what it means to the Japanese, even while admitting that the sport is often looked upon as 'grandfather's favorite sport' by the younger generation.

Warren has lived in Japan for over 30 years; his respect for the customs and people are clear on each page. But he is also objective about the differences between the Eastern approach to life compered to the Western. I thought the whole book was fair and interesting, and I am looking forward to reading it again with Marco, since I will be putting it on the Very Large Pile for the Zapata Reading Club. Which of course means that I will update this review Someday, because I have some thoughts that are not quite solid enough yet to record.

[Mr. James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Mr. James Review: Preface Only

This book would have received five stars, but my friend and sumo scholar, Debbie Zapata, had already taught me the bulk of what Ash covers.

I recommend it to anyone who is getting into sumo and wants to understand a rikishi's homeland, traditions, values and beliefs. In this case, it's an essential read.

Mr. James addresses his students, "Sumo is not just about eating. It's a life of commitment, relentless training, amassing great physical strength, enduring constant physical suffering, and above all a sacrifice of will that acknowledges this is your path, despite repeated and incessant failure. It's not a sport, hobby, pastime, or fling: it's a way of life."

Note: The July Basho in Nagoya is in nine days! Yokozuna (the highest rank in sumo) Hoshoryu and Onosato will be competing. There haven't been two yokozunas since 2021!
https://youtube.com/shorts/7kVn-jX04o...

[Oliver Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best short, simple introduction to sumo and its role in japanese culture. given the limitations some publishers face, it's remarkable how many images are in this book and how well-designed it is for the price. highly recommended for people wanting a concise but meaty (!) introduction to this strange sport.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very well done, a pleasure to read! However, for an old Japanophile like me there were a lot of explanations on Japanese culture that I either didn't need or didn't entirely agree with. I also have to agree with another reviewer who wished the book had been longer: there were so many things about sumo that were left unexplained! The focus was less on a comprehensive introduction to sumo, and more on providing a "serious" context for the sport. One thing was also a bit annoying: throwing out references to famous matches/moves/victories, and then not being able to find them on the interwebs... Foul!

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only issue was the length, its such a fascinating topic that it could have been 3 times the size and still kept me attention all the way.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rather than an explanation of the sport of sumo, this connects the sport nicely with the history and philosophy of the Japanese people in a way unlike any of the other sumo books. If you are interested in Japan and its story, this is a great read even if you have no real interest in the sport. I was very pleased with the writing and the many photographs provided.

[Ilgin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love letter to sumo and japan. Easy to read and understand. Arigato!

[Bone2Pick · Rating 4 out of 5]

~4 stars~