Ryogoku: A Resilient Neighborhood with Sumo Spirit - Dive in Tokyo

Key Concepts

• Ryogoku: A district in Tokyo, Japan, historically and currently associated with sumo wrestling.
• Sumo: A traditional Japanese form of wrestling.
• Kokugikan: The main sumo arena in Ryogoku.
• Yokozuna: The highest rank in sumo wrestling.
• Oyakata: A sumo stable master.
• Rikishi: A sumo wrestler.
• Yagura: A tower from which sumo wrestler names are announced.
• Ryogoku Bridge: A bridge that gave the district its name.
• Edo Period: A period of Japanese history from 1603 to 1868.
• Great Fire of Meireki (1657): A devastating fire that destroyed much of Edo.
• Mu'enbotoke: Unattended spirits or souls of the deceased.
• Eko-in Temple: A temple in Ryogoku with a historical connection to sumo.
• Sumo Matches for Temple Funds: Historical instances of sumo tournaments held to raise money for temples.
• Sumo Museum: A museum located within the Kokugikan.
• Sekitori: A wrestler in the top two divisions of sumo.
• Air Raids: Bombings during World War II.
• Record Photography: The practice of documenting events through photography.

Ryogoku: The Heart of Sumo

This video explores the district of Ryogoku in Tokyo, a place deeply intertwined with the history and culture of sumo wrestling. The narrator, Joshua, originally from Melbourne, Australia, has been living in Japan for some time and is excited to explore this iconic area.

Specialized Sumo Apparel and the "Big Size" Shop

The tour begins with a visit to a shop specializing in clothing for sumo wrestlers. The shop owner, Mr. Kubota, explains that his family has been running the business for four generations. Initially, it was a general clothing store, but due to the concentration of sumo stables in Ryogoku, there was a demand for larger sizes. This led to the shop becoming a specialist in "big size" clothing. Mr. Kubota notes that most sumo wrestlers, including famous Yokozuna, purchase their attire from his store. He showcases a particularly heavy pair of trousers worn by the former Yokozuna Akebono.

Sumo Training and Stable Life

Joshua visits a sumo stable and witnesses a training session. He observes the close-knit atmosphere and the dedication of the wrestlers. The stable master (Oyakata) emphasizes the importance of maintaining a close relationship with the wrestlers and praising them for performing basic tasks correctly. He believes that Ryogoku itself has become a place where people can learn through sumo, fostering a sense of gratitude and humility.

Historical Significance of Ryogoku

The video delves into the historical origins of Ryogoku.

• The Kokugikan: The main sumo arena, which can hold up to 11,000 spectators and attracts many international visitors.
• The Yagura: A tower used by announcers to call out the names of sumo wrestlers during tournaments.
• Ryogoku Bridge: The bridge that gave the district its name. It was built in the early Edo period (17th century). The west side of the bridge was in Musashi Province, and the east side was in Shimotsuke Province. The name "Ryogoku" (meaning "two provinces") comes from the bridge connecting these two areas.
• The Great Fire of Meireki (1657): This devastating fire destroyed a large part of Edo, claiming an estimated 100,000 lives. The lack of bridges hindered evacuation. To prevent future fires from spreading across the bridge, the area around the bridge was kept as an open space.
• Edo Period Entertainment: Following the fire, temporary structures like theaters, side-show tents, and tea houses sprung up in the open spaces. These establishments offered entertainment and sold various goods, including wild boar and deer meat, akin to modern-day entertainment districts.
• Eko-in Temple: This temple was established to enshrine the spirits of those who died in the Great Fire and subsequent disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It also served as a venue for sumo matches to raise funds for the temple, dating back to 1768. The temple grounds were historically used for sumo tournaments, with a temporary arena and a large tent erected. A permanent arena was built on the temple grounds in 1909. The current Kokugikan was built in 1985.
• Sumo Museum: Located within the Kokugikan, it houses over 1,000 exhibits related to sumo, from historical artifacts to modern displays.

The Modern Sumo Wrestler's Journey

The video features an interview with a young sumo wrestler who started at the age of five and has been training for 13 years. He acknowledges the professional rigor of sumo, which differs from amateur wrestling. His goal is to become a Sekitori and give back to his local community.

Ryogoku's Resilience Through Disasters

Ryogoku has faced numerous challenges throughout its history:

• Earthquakes and Air Raids: The district has endured significant destruction from earthquakes and air raids, particularly during World War II.
• The Great Kanto Earthquake (1923): This earthquake devastated Tokyo, and fires spread rapidly. An estimated 38,000 people perished in the area, and victims were buried on the temple grounds.
• World War II Bombings: Air raids in 1945 also caused widespread destruction.

The Photographer's Legacy

The video introduces an elderly photographer who documented the history of Ryogoku through his lens. He captured images of the district before, during, and after the war, including the devastating aftermath of fires and bombings. He emphasizes the importance of recording history, even when it's painful. One poignant story he shares is about a single photograph that survived the war, which he used to gather people who had been photographed in it for a reunion. He also recounts his personal experience of witnessing B-26 bombers during an air raid, seeing the faces of the pilots reflected in the flames. He expresses a strong sentiment against war, stating, "War is something that should be eliminated."

Daily Life and Dedication in Ryogoku

The video concludes with scenes of people engaging in daily routines in Ryogoku. A man is shown participating in morning exercises, which he finds challenging but continues for nine years because he loves sumo and wants to become stronger. The narrator expresses his admiration for the dedication of the locals and the vibrant sumo culture in Ryogoku, encouraging viewers to visit if they have the chance.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Ryogoku stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of sumo wrestling and the resilience of its community. From its origins as a connecting point between two provinces to its current status as the spiritual home of sumo, the district has witnessed and endured significant historical events. The video highlights the deep connection between the people, the sport, and the land, showcasing the dedication of sumo wrestlers, the historical significance of landmarks like the Kokugikan and Eko-in Temple, and the personal stories of individuals who have shaped and been shaped by Ryogoku's rich history. The narrative underscores the importance of preserving history, cherishing community, and the profound impact of sumo on Japanese culture.