It is over in a matter of seconds as Takemikazuchi grapples his opponent to the ground, and with that decisive wrestle, acquires control over the Japanese archipelago, establishing its first imperial bloodline from which the present emperor traces his lineage.

So begins the origin of the Japanese race, and posterity records in the kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) the first sumo match 2,500 years earlier. In Japan, everything from serving portions, to
bonsai trees are petite – in fact, the smaller the better. However, this Lilliputian preference only takes a backseat when it comes to sumo wrestling, where gigantic is the order of the day.

Sumo is steeped in tradition; it is also the only sport that highlights some very interesting Shinto rituals known as dohyoiri. Like the calculated moves of the wrestler, each ritual from the march-in down to the simple action of throwing salt into the dohyo is calculated and significant – neither unnecessary nor excessive. Preceding any bout of matches, the sumotori perform the makunouchi dohyo-iri, or ring-entering ceremony. The Japanese are blessed with sumo – it is what makes them unique. It is the national sport; it is also the glue that binds the Japanese,
giving them their identity and cultural sensibilities.