The Sumo season is now up and running in Tokyo. I went along to the "East Japan versus West Japan" competition and had a blast. I have always thought that Sumo was essentially a lot of half-naked fat men having a series of slap fights. This does indeed seem to be the case. Many of the men involved these days are not even Japanese - most of the top ones being Mongolian. That aside, it is an amazing atmosphere and well worth the time. As in many things in Japan, it is a wonderfule excuse to drink sake and general get as relaxed as a newt. I tried my best to continue this tardition. For the day I used my Canon EOS5D Mark II and the very heavy Canon EF 28-300 F4.5-5.6L. Seems to have been a good choice.
The arens is actually quite an amazing place.
The sumo have a special ceremoney in the ring to introduce themselves. Love the aprons.
First they had a show fight between some boys from one of the Inetrnational Schools and a retired sumo.
Fighters get ready
A lot of salt gets thrown into the arena. All part of the purification of the ring.
You win!
Full on effort.
I can fly!