Sumo – Superhuman Strength and Divine Determination

Sumo, as a traditional Japanese sport, dates back hundreds of years. However, it is not only a sport but also a manifestation of Japanese culture and spirituality, full of rituals and symbolism. Fights in the dohyo (sumo arena) are a spectacle of strength, agility, and discipline, and the wrestlers, known as rikishi, are seen as the very embodiment of determination and dedication.

Among the many legendary rikishi who have etched their names in the history of sumo, Raiden Tameemon holds a special place. Who was he? An ordinary boy from a small fishing village, the son of a poor farmer, who suddenly found himself in the spotlight of one of Japan's most prestigious sports. Moving to Edo, a metropolis full of life and opportunities, must have been a huge cultural shock for young Tarōkichi.

On one hand, he must have felt a powerful motivation to seize this incredible opportunity. The height and strength that distinguished him in his home village were now his assets, which could bring him fame and success. On the other hand, he might have struggled with complexes and fears related to his origins. Among wrestlers often coming from more affluent families, young Tarōkichi had to prove his worth through hard work and determination.

The "Thunderbolt" progressed like a storm. It was the most spectacular sumo career in Japanese history. Raiden won match after match, achieving a series of 44 consecutive victories, and for a long time, he was the champion of every tournament. However, his background or perhaps inadequate connections led to great injustice at the peak of his career.

So, let's learn the rules, significance, and history of sumo through the inspiring life of Raiden, which we can explore in detail thanks to the diary he kept for many years.

The Beginnings of Sumo

The History and Etymology of Sumo

Sumo is one of Japan's oldest sports, with a history dating back at least 1500 years. The earliest written records of sumo appear in Japan's oldest chronicle, "Kojiki," from 712, and in "Nihon Shoki" from 720. In both texts, sumo is described as a religious ritual associated with mythology and Shinto deities. The tradition of sumo originates from ritualistic fights meant to ensure good harvests and protect against evil spirits.

The Origin of the Term "Sumo" and Its Meaning

The term "sumo" (相撲) consists of two kanji: 相 (sō), meaning "mutual" or "together," and 撲 (boku), meaning "strike" or "wrestle." Together, they create the term "mutual wrestling" (yes, this is not a mistake; in Japanese, characters often have different readings in compounds than when separate, hence "sō" + "boku" gives us "sumo").

Other Terms Related to Sumo

► Rikishi (力士): A sumo wrestler, literally meaning "strong man." Rikishi are individuals who have dedicated their lives to training and competing in sumo.

► Dohyo (土俵): The ring where sumo matches take place. It is a circular area with a diameter of 4.55 meters, made of clay and sand, surrounded by straw bales.

► Basho (場所): A sumo tournament. Currently, there are six official basho held annually, each lasting 15 days. Each wrestler competes once a day during the tournament.

The Relationship Between Sumo and Shinto

Sumo is deeply rooted in the values of Shinto, which can be considered the spiritual core of Japan. In ancient times, sumo matches were an integral part of Shinto rituals aimed at appeasing deities for good harvests and protection against natural disasters. To this day, many Shinto rituals are part of sumo ceremonies. Before each match, rikishi perform purification rituals such as throwing salt into the dohyo to ward off evil spirits. Wrestlers wear mawashi (traditional belts) and compete with bare chests, which also harkens back to ancient rituals.

Early Records and Development of Sumo as a Ritual and Sport

Sumo began to develop as a sport around the 8th century when the first official competitions were organized. During the Heian period (794-1185), it became a popular entertainment at the imperial court. Sumo matches were often held during important ceremonies and festivals.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), sumo underwent another transformation, becoming more organized and popular. The first professional sumo stables (heya: 部屋 – "quarters") were established, where wrestlers trained and prepared for competitions. It was during this period that Raiden Tameemon lived, one of the most famous and respected rikishi in history.

Sumo in the Edo period was also closely linked to social and political hierarchy. Daimyo, feudal lords, often sponsored rikishi and organized tournaments. Sumo thus became a symbol of strength, honor, and tradition, which remains to this day.

So What Is Sumo Really About?

Basic Rules of the Fight and Tournament Structure

Sumo is a contact sport in which two wrestlers, called rikishi, attempt to push each other out of the ring (dohyo) or force their opponent to touch the ground with any part of the body other than the soles of the feet. The dohyo is a circular ring with a diameter of 4.55 meters, made of clay and covered with sand. Sumo matches typically last a few seconds, although they can extend to several minutes.

The structure of sumo tournaments, known as basho, includes six major tournaments per year, each lasting 15 days. Wrestlers fight once a day, and their results are recorded, influencing their promotions or demotions in the rankings. The highest rank in sumo is yokozuna, followed by ozeki, sekiwake, komusubi, and maegashira.

Symbolic and Ritual Aspects of Sumo

Sumo is a unique form of wrestling that, more than its counterparts in other countries, is intertwined with spiritual life, religion (Shinto), and ancient rituals. Many ceremonies associated with sumo are aimed at purification and protection against evil spirits, but also at celebrating the steadfastness and spirit of the wrestlers.

Pre-Match Rituals (Purification of the Ring with Salt)

Before each match, rikishi perform a series of rituals. The most well-known is the purification of the ring by throwing salt, which is intended to ward off evil spirits and ensure spiritual purity. Wrestlers also perform the shikiri (仕切り) ceremony, which involves preparations before the bout, during which the wrestlers intensely stare at each other (niramiai: 睨み合い, "intense mutual staring"), repeatedly crouch and rise, perform ritual salt-throwing (kiyome-jio: 清め塩, "purification with salt"), and other tactics to gain a psychological advantage.

Symbolic Meaning of Rikishi's Attire

The attire of rikishi also has deep symbolic meaning. The mawashi, or belt, worn by wrestlers is made of silk for higher-ranking wrestlers and cotton for lower ranks. The color and style of the mawashi can vary depending on the wrestler's rank and the stable to which they belong. Yokozuna additionally wear the shimenawa, a rope wrapped around the waist, symbolizing their status and spiritual purity.

Sumo Philosophy

Sumo is a manifestation of discipline, honor, and spiritual purification. In the fight, not only physical strength matters, but also mental endurance and moral integrity. Every movement, technique, and ritual has its significance that transcends the boundaries of the fight itself. Shikiri prepares wrestlers not only for physical confrontation but also for spiritual competition. Sumo requires constant self-improvement, both physically and spiritually, making it a unique sport full of deep symbolism.

In sumo, maintaining dignity and humility is essential, regardless of the outcome of the match. Wrestlers must exhibit not only strength and agility but also character traits that reflect the values of Japanese society. Loyalty to tradition, respect for the opponent, and discipline are key elements of sumo philosophy. Even the highest-ranked wrestler, yokozuna, must daily prove their worth through proper conduct and living according to sumo's principles. Therefore, sumo philosophy is a continuous pursuit of excellence, both in the sports arena and in everyday life, making it not only a physical challenge but also a spiritual path.

Rituals Before the Match (Purification of the Ring with Salt)

Before each match, rikishi perform a series of rituals. The most well-known is the purification of the ring by throwing salt, which is intended to ward off evil spirits and ensure spiritual purity. The wrestlers also perform the shikiri (仕切り) ceremony, meaning "toeing the mark," which involves preparations before the bout. During this time, the wrestlers intensely stare at each other (niramiai: 睨み合い, "intense mutual staring"), repeatedly crouch and rise, perform the ritual salt-throwing (kiyome-jio: 清め塩, "purification with salt"), and other tactics to gain a psychological advantage.

Symbolic Meaning of Rikishi's Attire

The attire of rikishi also has deep symbolic meaning. The mawashi, or belt, worn by wrestlers is made of silk for higher-ranking wrestlers and cotton for lower ranks. The color and style of the mawashi can vary depending on the wrestler's rank and the stable to which they belong. Yokozuna additionally wear the shimenawa, a rope wrapped around the waist, symbolizing their status and spiritual purity.

Sumo Philosophy

Sumo is a manifestation of discipline, honor, and spiritual purification. In the fight, not only physical strength matters, but also mental endurance and moral integrity. Every movement, technique, and ritual has its significance that transcends the boundaries of the fight itself. Shikiri prepares wrestlers not only for physical confrontation but also for spiritual competition. Sumo requires constant self-improvement, both physically and spiritually, making it a unique sport full of deep symbolism.

In sumo, maintaining dignity and humility is essential, regardless of the outcome of the match. Wrestlers must exhibit not only strength and agility but also character traits that reflect the values of Japanese society. Loyalty to tradition, respect for the opponent, and discipline are key elements of sumo philosophy. Even the highest-ranked wrestler, yokozuna, must daily prove their worth through proper conduct and living according to sumo's principles. Therefore, sumo philosophy is a continuous pursuit of excellence, both in the sports arena and in everyday life, making it not only a physical challenge but also a spiritual path.

What Requirements Must a Sumo Wrestler Meet?

The requirements for sumo wrestlers are extremely stringent and comprehensive, encompassing both physical and mental aspects of preparation. To compete at the highest level, rikishi must possess exceptional body mass and strength. Body mass is a crucial element in sumo because a greater weight helps wrestlers maintain balance better and makes it harder to push them out of the ring. Sumo wrestlers achieve their impressive weight through a special diet that often includes high-calorie dishes such as chanko-nabe, a thick stew rich in protein. Besides the diet, intense training and long hours spent on strength and technical exercises are essential elements of their daily routine.

However, body mass is not everything. Sumo also values agility, strength, and technique. Rikishi must be able to move with astonishing speed and precision despite their overwhelming weight. Daily training includes exercises for flexibility, muscle strength, and techniques for overthrowing the opponent. Besides physical requirements, mental preparation is also crucial. Wrestlers must demonstrate discipline, perseverance, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. Mental strength is just as important as physical strength because sumo matches often last only a few seconds, and any rash move can lead to defeat. All these elements combine to create the unique profile of a sumo wrestler, who must be both massive and incredibly agile and strong. This, albeit unusual, combination makes sumo a challenging sport requiring great determination.

The Specific Weight of Sumo Wrestlers

The weight of wrestlers in the highest ranks often oscillates between 150 and 180 kg, though there are wrestlers who weigh even more. For example, Raiden Tameemon's weight was around 169 kg, which was impressive even by today's standards. The percentage of body fat in sumo wrestlers can vary but generally ranges from 25% to 30% or even more. Although sumo wrestlers have a large amount of fat tissue, they are also very muscular and have significant muscle mass. Their specific diet and intense training allow them to maintain a physique that is beneficial in their sport, helping them maintain balance and exert great force on the opponent.

Maintaining the specific physique of a sumo wrestler is extremely challenging and requires great discipline in both diet and training. Sumo wrestlers adhere to a rigorous nutritional plan that includes high-calorie meals rich in protein, such as chanko-nabe. Their daily training routine is intense and includes strength, technical, and flexibility exercises. All this aims to increase body mass while maintaining strength and agility.

Sumo requires a lot of dedication from the wrestler. Maintaining a specific physique and diet means that wrestlers, especially after retiring, often face health problems such as difficulty returning to a natural weight, heart problems, diabetes, and joint pain.

The Life of Raiden Tameemon

Youthful Years

Birth and Early Life Raiden Tameemon, born Seki Tarōkichi (関 太郎吉) in January 1767, came from a village in Shinano Province, now located in Nagano Prefecture. He was the son of Hanemon Seki, who was a farmer. The Seki family was an ordinary farming family, but young Tarōkichi stood out from an early age with his extraordinary physical strength and great height.

First Signs of Extraordinary Strength and Engagement in Sumo Legend has it that young Raiden could lift a stone weighing over 90 kg and carry it a long distance, demonstrating his remarkable physical power. His father, a sumo enthusiast, allowed Tarōkichi to attend sumo classes in the neighboring village of Nagaze when he was 14. It was already clear then that Tarōkichi had the potential to become an outstanding rikishi.

Training Under Legendary Coaches and First Successes

The turning point in young Tarōkichi's life came in 1784 when, during a regional tour (jungyo) in Shinano, his extraordinary physique and strength caught the attention of the master of the Urakaze-beya stable. He was invited to Edo (modern-day Tokyo), where he began intense training. Soon Tarōkichi left Urakaze-beya and joined the Isenoumi-beya stable, where his coach became the legendary yokozuna Tanikaze Kajinosuke. Training under Tanikaze allowed young Raiden to develop his skills and techniques, resulting in his first successes on the dohyo. In 1790, he debuted under the name Raiden, meaning "Thunderbolt," winning his first victories and gaining a reputation as one of the most promising wrestlers of his time.

Let's pause for a moment and try to realize what actually happened. An ordinary boy from a small fishing village, the son of a poor farmer, suddenly found himself in the spotlight of one of Japan's most prestigious sports. Moving to Edo, a metropolis full of life and opportunities, must have been a huge cultural shock for young Tarōkichi. His daily reality changed dramatically – from working in the fields to intense training in a professional sumo stable. This meant not only new physical challenges but also the need to adapt to the strict discipline and lifestyle according to the rigorous rules of sumo.

On one hand, he must have felt a powerful motivation to seize this incredible opportunity. The height and strength that distinguished him in his home village were now his assets, which could bring him fame and success. On the other hand, he might have struggled with complexes and fears related to his origins. Among wrestlers often coming from more affluent families, young Tarōkichi had to prove his worth through hard work and determination. His efforts and determination in daily training were not only a path to achieving success on the dohyo but also a way to overcome his fears and show that despite being the son of a poor farmer from an insignificant village, he was able to rise to the top.

A Challenging Career

Despite his extraordinary strength and skills, Raiden Tameemon was not free from health problems. One of the most dramatic moments in his career was a serious knee injury that threatened to end his sumo journey. At that time, sports medicine was not as advanced as it is today, and injuries were often treated with traditional methods that were not always effective. Despite chronic pain and movement limitations, Raiden returned to the dohyo with determination, showing his indomitable will and strength of character. We can only imagine what was going through young Raiden's mind, who was entirely dependent on whether his knee would heal, nervously checking if it was getting better and whether he could fight. If not, he would face a return home with a sense of total failure and disgrace despite the given opportunity (I know that we don't think like that today, but in Japan, especially in those times, it would be considered disgrace).

Another problem was money. Despite his successes on the dohyo, Raiden Tameemon often faced financial difficulties. In those days, sumo wrestlers did not earn much money, and sponsors and patrons were not always able to provide sufficient support. Besides exhausting training and a very specific diet, wrestlers, especially those from poorer homes, had to work regular jobs. One of the most dangerous moments in Raiden's life was the bankruptcy of his sponsor, daimyō Matsudaira Harusato. Without stable financial support, Raiden had to rely on his resources and the help of friends. The path to the top was not just a pleasure of achieving successive accomplishments thanks to his talent. It was not an easy life. It is especially painful that Raiden could not end his career as he justly deserved. But more on that later.

The Peak of His Career

The Thunderbolt advanced like a storm. It was the most spectacular sumo career in Japan's history. Raiden won match after match, achieving a series of 44 consecutive victories and being the champion of every tournament for a long time. This unprecedented winning streak lasted from 1793 to 1797, earning Raiden the reputation of an absolute legend. His dominance was so great that the sumo council banned him from using some of his favorite techniques, such as tsuppari (rapid open-hand strikes) and sabaori (a technique forcing the opponent to kneel), to make the matches more balanced. Despite these restrictions, Raiden continued to win his matches, further cementing his exceptional status in the sumo world.

Raiden Tameemon dominated the sumo scene in an unprecedented way for his time. During his career, he frequently triumphed in tournaments, earning the highest accolades. Out of the 35 tournaments he participated in, he won 28, making him the most titled wrestler in sumo history. Many of these victories were achieved without a single defeat along the way, further highlighting his extraordinary skills and determination. His achievements on the dohyo were so impressive that he became not only a sports icon but also a symbol of strength and perseverance for all of Japan.

His fighting style was a combination of brute strength and technical finesse. Raiden was known for his ability to move quickly and precisely despite his enormous body mass. He was a master at employing techniques that required not only strength but also agility and tactical intelligence. His ability to anticipate his opponent's moves and respond with incredible speed made him a winning machine. Even after restrictions were placed on some of his techniques, Raiden adapted his fighting style, demonstrating his versatility and brilliance as a wrestler.

One of the most memorable moments of his career was the tournament in 1795, when Raiden was promoted to the rank of ōzeki, a position he held for 17 years. It was a time when his dominance was most evident, and his name instilled fear and respect among his opponents.

Deep Disappointment at the Peak

The Title of Yokozuna The title of yokozuna (横綱) is the highest rank a sumo wrestler can achieve. The kanji 横 (yoko) means "horizontal" or "transverse," and 綱 (zuna) means "rope." Together, they form a term that literally means "horizontal rope," referring to the special ceremonial rope that a yokozuna wears around their waist during official ceremonies. The title of yokozuna is not only a sign of the highest skills and achievements on the dohyo but also a symbol of spiritual and moral leadership. A yokozuna must demonstrate not only strength and technique but also dignity, respect, and an unblemished reputation.

Why Didn't Raiden Receive the Title of Yokozuna?

Despite his extraordinary dominance in the sumo world, Raiden Tameemon was never promoted to yokozuna, which was a huge blow and source of deep disappointment for him. There are several theories explaining this injustice. One of them is the lack of a formal system for awarding the title of yokozuna during Raiden's time.

In those days, only the Yoshida family had the exclusive right to bestow the title of yokozuna during the Edo period. The Yoshida family was an influential clan responsible for organizing ceremonies and overseeing sumo traditions. Yoshida Oikaze, who held the duty of granting the yokozuna title during Raiden's time, was known for awarding it to only two wrestlers, Tanikaze and Onogawa. Raiden, despite surpassing them in skill, was not chosen for some reason.

Another theory suggests that the decision not to award the yokozuna title to Raiden was the result of political and clan intrigues. Raiden was supported by daimyō Matsudaira Harusato, who was associated with the Tokugawa clan, while the Yoshida family had ties to the Hosokawa clan, historical rivals of the Tokugawa. These political connections could have played a crucial role in blocking Raiden's promotion to yokozuna, despite his undeniable merits on the dohyo.

For Raiden, not receiving the title of yokozuna was a huge blow. His achievements, such as the series of 44 consecutive victories and dominance in 28 out of 35 tournaments, fully deserved the highest recognition. Although his name was later inscribed on the "Yokozuna Stone" at the Tomioka Hachiman Shrine as "無比の力士" (muhi no rikishi – "peerless wrestler"), this happened after his death.

Raiden Tameemon had to live with the knowledge that his achievements were not fully recognized, which could have affected his spiritual and emotional well-being in his later years. This disappointment, however, did not change his approach to sumo and his relentless determination to be the best. Despite the lack of formal recognition as yokozuna, Raiden remains one of the greatest legends of sumo, and his story is a reminder that true greatness is not always measured by titles but by achievements and an indomitable spirit.

The End of His Career

Raiden Tameemon ended his brilliant sumo career in 1811 at the age of 44. After more than two decades of dominating the dohyo, Raiden decided to retire to focus on other aspects of his life. His decision was due to numerous injuries that plagued him over the years and a desire to spend more time with his family. Raiden not only left the ring but also started a new chapter as the chairman of the local sumo association in the Izumo province. This was a period in which he could share his vast experience and knowledge, influencing future generations of young rikishi.

In Edo, he also completed his diary, "Shokoku Sumo Hikae-cho" ("Sumo Diary in Various Regions"), in which he described his numerous experiences and observations from his active career. Raiden lived quietly, away from the proverbial limelight, but his legacy remained alive in the hearts and minds of sumo fans. Raiden Tameemon passed away on February 11, 1825, at the age of 58. The cause is undocumented but was likely an illness. After his death, he was buried in Akasaka, Edo, and his memory was honored in various places, including his hometown and Matsue in Shimane Prefecture, where locks of his hair were placed as part of ceremonies commemorating his life and achievements.

Raiden Tameemon's Diary – Content and Significance

Raiden Tameemon kept a diary for most of his professional career, documenting not only his fights and achievements but also the daily life of rikishi and observations about culture and society. This diary, known as "Shokoku Sumo Hikae-cho" ("Sumo Diary in Various Regions"), is a rich source of information about sumo from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It contains detailed descriptions of tournaments, fighting techniques, and daily training routines. Raiden also recorded his thoughts on competition, strategy, and mental preparations for matches. His notes are full of personal reflections, making the diary not only a sports chronicle but also a document showcasing the inner world of one of the greatest sumo wrestlers.

Raiden Tameemon's diary holds great significance for both sports historians and researchers of Japanese culture. It is one of the few preserved sources offering insight into the life and mentality of rikishi from the Edo period. Through his notes, we can better understand what sumo tournaments were like at that time, what techniques were used, and how wrestlers trained. Additionally, the diary reveals the daily challenges and difficulties faced by sumo wrestlers, adding a human dimension to often idealized historical figures. Raiden also described his travels across Japan, meetings with other wrestlers, and important events, making the diary a valuable source for reconstructing the social and cultural life of those times.

After Raiden's death in 1825, his diary gained recognition as an important testament to his life and career. The diary not only commemorates his sports achievements but also reflects his personal struggles, hopes, and dreams. Its publication contributed to further memorializing Raiden as one of the greatest figures in sumo history. The diary also became an inspiration for future generations of rikishi, showing that true greatness is not only about successes on the dohyo but also about character and determination in daily life. His notes help preserve the traditions and values of sumo, teaching respect for competition, humility, and the continuous pursuit of excellence.

Raiden Tameemon in Pop Culture

"Big Man Japan" (2007, directed by Hitoshi Matsumoto) The film tells the story of Daisato, a man who can transform into a giant hero defending Japan from monsters. Raiden Tameemon is portrayed as one of the legendary ancestors of the main character, symbolizing strength and heritage.

"Record of Ragnarok" (manga, 2017, Shinya Umemura and Takumi Fukui / anime, 2021, directed by Masao Okubo / video game, 2021, Wizcorp) The series tells the story of battles between humans and gods to save humanity from destruction. Raiden Tameemon is one of the representatives of humanity fighting against the gods, showcasing his legendary strength.

"Hinomaru Sumo" (manga, 2014, Yū Kawahara) The manga follows the story of a young boy who aspires to become the best sumo wrestler in Japan. Raiden is often mentioned as a role model for young wrestlers, symbolizing unparalleled excellence.

"Yakuza Kenzan!" (video game, 2008, Sega) An action game set in feudal Japan, part of the "Yakuza" series. Raiden Tameemon appears as one of the legendary characters that the player can encounter, symbolizing strength and perseverance.

Conclusion

Raiden Tameemon remains one of the most inspiring figures in sumo history. His extraordinary strength, determination, and skills made him a legend, despite never receiving the formal title of yokozuna. His life was full of both triumphs and hardships, making him a symbol of indomitable will and perseverance. From humble beginnings as the son of a poor farmer, through years of domination on the dohyo, to his later life as the chairman of a sumo association, Raiden always strived for excellence. His diary, "Shokoku Sumo Hikae-cho," remains a valuable testament to his life and career, offering insight into the world of sumo at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries.

Sumo is not just a sport but also a deeply rooted cultural and spiritual tradition of Japan. Over the centuries, sumo has evolved, but its core values have remained unchanged: respect, honor, discipline, and spiritual purity. Raiden Tameemon, with his extraordinary achievements and indomitable spirit, is a living example of these values. His story reminds us that true greatness is not measured only by titles but also by character and perseverance in the face of adversity. Sumo as a sport and tradition continues to inspire future generations, and the legend of Raiden Tameemon remains a lasting symbol of the strength and determination that are the essence of this extraordinary sport.

 A connoisseur of Asian culture with a deep-seated appreciation for various philosophies of the world. By education, psychologist and Korean philologist. By heart, an Android developer and an ardent tech aficionado. In tranquil moments, he champions a disciplined way of life, firmly believing that steadfastness, perpetual self-enhancement, and a dedication to one's passions is a sensible path for life.

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"The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest."  - Albert Einstein (possibly)

  Mike Soray

(aka Michał Sobieraj)

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