The Way of Salt: Sumo and the Culture of Japan

by Ash Warren

The objective in sumo, Japan’s national sport, is Push one's opponent out of the ring or make him touch the ground with anything other than the soles of his feet. This is accomplished by wrestlers who weigh over 350 pounds, clad only in loincloths, during a bout that can end in just seconds.

Sumo, which dates back over 2,000 years, was first performed at Shintō shrines to entertain the gods and as a prayer for a good harvest. So, to fully appreciate and enjoy the sport one needs an understanding of Japan’s ancient culture, people, and the Shintō religion.

In The Way of Salt Ash Warren takes us on an exploration of Japanese society and history as seen through the lens of sumo.

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.

[Jason Nachtrab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Not so much about what sumo is, but why it is the way it is. Great insights about Japanese culture and its imprint on the peculiarities of sumo. Highly recommended.

[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!

[Julian Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be generally informative about sumo. I have been an avid fan for about six months and was still able to learn some new things. It was particularly helpful in learning the Japanese phrases associated with sumo, and I plan to use the glossary as a reference point to assist in my understanding. The pictures I thought were also cool. One of the things I was most interested in was the history of sumo documented here and there in the book, from its origins to its development in the Edo period, to more recent coverage of some standout wrestlers. However, what I found most interesting was how Warren connects sumo to the culture of Japan, and how elements of this culture are seen not only in the rituals of sumo but in the minds of the wrestlers and the audience. I am always interested in how sports (especially combat sports) relate to and interact with general daily life. I liked learning about the differences between Japan and Western countries, like their different ideas about being a "master" of something. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is just getting into sumo as it will certainly elevate your knowledge to an impressive level rather quickly. It is easy to read and follow along with; I found it engaging and informative.

[Dane Bernardo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5? Good to learn about Japanese culture and views, good for some Sumo, but I’m either ashamed or kind of proud to say two bashos of following sumo on Reddit and you’ve got 5x the knowledge of Sumo than the book will afford you. A bit funny how brazenly the author throws in his personal opinions on which Yokozunas stunk and henkas and many other things. Still glad I read!

[Bone2Pick · Rating 4 out of 5]

~4 stars~

[Sumo Kaboom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great primer on sumo. Beginner friendly. Really explains what sumo is and how it is viewed in Japan. Enjoyable fast read.