Look Who it Was Random video

Konnichi wa, Fatso! Cultural Sensitivty and an Intro to SUMO

2,695 views · Published 12 May 2008 · 6:50 · Indexed 21 September 2026

Channel: Hikosaemon · 2008 · People & Blogs

Watch on YouTube

One of the culture shocks that you get when you come to Japan is the completely different set of values attached to what is and isn't socially acceptable conversation. For example, it is fine to point out someone has gotten fat, but terrible to say that they have aged, or have short legs. This is one of the cultural rabbit holes you fall into when you arrive in Japan, and having gone through and come out the other side, I think it is a good thing that peopel can talk about other people's weight - I don't think that not talking has done much good for western countries...

The other topic I want to talk about a bit is Sumo wrestling. The Summer tournament just started in Tokyo and I am doing my best to track the tournament each day.

It is hard when you start out because there are so many wrestlers who all look the same, but here are some recommendations for getting into the support:

Asashoryu - Sumo's most badass yokozuna ever. Rowdy, arrogant, flaunts the rules, and is far and away the best wrestler in Japanese sumo in a decade, possibly ever.

Hakuho - another mongolian, a fellow yokozuna and the complete opposite of Asashoryu. 

Ama - another Mongol, small and agile, with all the Mongol wrestling moves (3 times more moves than Japanese sumo) that he uses to full effect to regularly beat guys much bigger.

Takamisakari - Japan's answer to Forrest Gump. If he weren't wrestling, he would be in some kind of institution, but he is wrestling, and each day he staggers out like robocop, blind as a bat without his enormous glasses, he punches himself repeatedly before a match, and walks out crying everytime he loses. Hugely popular, which attracts sponsors to his bouts, which is an incentive to his stronger opponents. Poor guy...

Kakizoe - my nominee for best natural for playing the role of a respectful but loyal henchman in a Japanese version of the godfather.

Kitazakura - should have retired long ago, shouldn't throw all the damn salt, shouldn't pump his fists after winning and punch the dohyo after losing. Growing old discracefully. Nice!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRm-wkDqSKY&feature=PlayList&p=9C583317C69544E7&index=0&playnext=1
http://www.sumotalk.com/

BGM Music:
Double - Handle

More from this channel