Japan 2008 - Day 1

The beginning of our first journey in Japan...we were a bit apprehensive about this day because we had to find our way to a gymnasium in another city using the subway system. We had directio ...

2009-01-09T22:19:49Z

Jason Dunn
The beginning of our first journey in Japan...we were a bit apprehensive about this day because we had to find our way to a gymnasium in another city using the subway system. We had directio ...

Many of the vendors along the side-streets have dogs. For pets, not eating, you cultural barbarian!

2009-01-09T22:22:21Z

Jason Dunn
Many of the vendors along the side-streets have dogs. For pets, not eating, you cultural barbarian!

This made Ashley's stomach flip, but I thought it was fascinating...380 Yen is about $4 CAD.

2009-01-09T22:23:29Z

Jason Dunn
This made Ashley's stomach flip, but I thought it was fascinating...380 Yen is about $4 CAD.

Cold fried egg anyone over cold noodles anyone?

2009-01-09T22:20:33Z

Jason Dunn
Cold fried egg anyone over cold noodles anyone?

There's not much space for plants in Japan, but there's something green everywhere you look, even if it's small.

2009-01-09T22:21:53Z

Jason Dunn
There's not much space for plants in Japan, but there's something green everywhere you look, even if it's small.

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 006.jpg

2009-01-09T22:20:32Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 006.jpg

There are so many amazing buildings in Japan - any architecture student would love it here.

2009-01-09T22:21:16Z

Jason Dunn
There are so many amazing buildings in Japan - any architecture student would love it here.

Taxi's are everywhere in Japan...notice the little heart on top. Jason thought it was a love hotel taxi, but it turns out that's just the company logo.

2009-01-09T22:19:56Z

Jason Dunn
Taxi's are everywhere in Japan...notice the little heart on top. Jason thought it was a love hotel taxi, but it turns out that's just the company logo.

Waiting for our first Japanese subway.

2009-01-09T22:20:54Z

Jason Dunn
Waiting for our first Japanese subway.

As amazing as the Japanese vending machines are, they have to be filled by human beings just like the mundane ones elsewhere.

2009-01-09T22:23:26Z

Jason Dunn
As amazing as the Japanese vending machines are, they have to be filled by human beings just like the mundane ones elsewhere.

Getting off and on the subway trains happens very quickly, but very orderly. And very quietly. In fact, almost everything in Japan is remarkably quiet.

2009-01-09T22:22:15Z

Jason Dunn
Getting off and on the subway trains happens very quickly, but very orderly. And very quietly. In fact, almost everything in Japan is remarkably quiet.

We climbed a lot of steps going in and out of subway stations.

2009-01-09T22:18:46Z

Jason Dunn
We climbed a lot of steps going in and out of subway stations.

When we got out of the last subway station, our directions ended - we were going to have to ask a local how to get to the gymnasium. But as we emerged onto the surface, I notifced this sumo ...

2009-01-09T22:20:00Z

Jason Dunn
When we got out of the last subway station, our directions ended - we were going to have to ask a local how to get to the gymnasium. But as we emerged onto the surface, I notifced this sumo ...

...and the next thing we knew, we were at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.

2009-01-09T22:16:17Z

Jason Dunn
...and the next thing we knew, we were at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.

Before sitting down for the sumo tournament, we decided to have lunch - and, yeah, we cheated by having some McDonalds. We were both starving and didn't feel like risking ordering a meal w ...

2009-01-09T22:16:55Z

Jason Dunn
Before sitting down for the sumo tournament, we decided to have lunch - and, yeah, we cheated by having some McDonalds. We were both starving and didn't feel like risking ordering a meal w ...

These very colourful Japanese magazines are everywhere you look...although, strangely, several days here and we have yet to see anyone anywhere with a magazine - they all pass the time using ...

2009-01-09T22:18:34Z

Jason Dunn
These very colourful Japanese magazines are everywhere you look...although, strangely, several days here and we have yet to see anyone anywhere with a magazine - they all pass the time using ...

Sumo 2008.mp4

2009-01-09T20:43:29Z

Jason Dunn
Sumo 2008.mp4

Before they clash, each sumo will squat down and prepare himself, meeting the stare of his opponent - often getting back up and repeating the process several times. It's like a sumo psyche ...

2009-01-09T22:16:53Z

Jason Dunn
Before they clash, each sumo will squat down and prepare himself, meeting the stare of his opponent - often getting back up and repeating the process several times. It's like a sumo psyche ...

The sumo on the right probably out-weighed his opponent by 100 pounds or more, but size isn't everything...

2009-01-09T22:16:43Z

Jason Dunn
The sumo on the right probably out-weighed his opponent by 100 pounds or more, but size isn't everything...

...because the bigger sumo was on the ground in fairly short order. The first sumo to have any body part touch the ground other than his feet loses the match. As you might imagine, most matc ...

2009-01-09T22:18:37Z

Jason Dunn
...because the bigger sumo was on the ground in fairly short order. The first sumo to have any body part touch the ground other than his feet loses the match. As you might imagine, most matc ...

Between, and sometimes during matches, these young men would come out and sweep around the ring.

2009-01-09T22:17:39Z

Jason Dunn
Between, and sometimes during matches, these young men would come out and sweep around the ring.

One of the most fascinating things to watch is the first second of the match - the initial charge and lock-up. It's amazing how explosive sumo are given their size - when they go, they reall ...

2009-01-09T22:17:24Z

Jason Dunn
One of the most fascinating things to watch is the first second of the match - the initial charge and lock-up. It's amazing how explosive sumo are given their size - when they go, they reall ...

If the match isn't ended shortly after the first lock-up, sumo will often re-position themselves and go in for another lock-up.

2009-01-09T22:16:11Z

Jason Dunn
If the match isn't ended shortly after the first lock-up, sumo will often re-position themselves and go in for another lock-up.

We made the mistake most people make when they know nothing about the sport or the event - we came early on, before most other people did, so the place was lightly populated for the first tw ...

2009-01-09T22:19:28Z

Jason Dunn
We made the mistake most people make when they know nothing about the sport or the event - we came early on, before most other people did, so the place was lightly populated for the first tw ...

I thought it was funny that in every culture, people express themselves through graffiti - even kanji graffiti...(although I don't know if carving into metal is considered graffiti).

2009-01-09T22:19:38Z

Jason Dunn
I thought it was funny that in every culture, people express themselves through graffiti - even kanji graffiti...(although I don't know if carving into metal is considered graffiti).

There was a lot of singing - in between each match, this guy (or someone like him) would stand up and sing for a minute or so.

2009-01-09T22:18:05Z

Jason Dunn
There was a lot of singing - in between each match, this guy (or someone like him) would stand up and sing for a minute or so.

The sumo leg stop precedes every match - it's a combination of warming up and showing off (it seems).

2009-01-09T22:16:57Z

Jason Dunn
The sumo leg stop precedes every match - it's a combination of warming up and showing off (it seems).

You would not want to be caught between them!

2009-01-09T22:17:21Z

Jason Dunn
You would not want to be caught between them!

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 028.jpg

2009-01-09T22:15:41Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 028.jpg

Two sumo square off, stare each other down...

2009-01-09T22:19:23Z

Jason Dunn
Two sumo square off, stare each other down...

...they lock up and begin pushing each other...

2009-01-09T22:15:13Z

Jason Dunn
...they lock up and begin pushing each other...

...but then the little one shifts his weight and does a hip throw...

2009-01-09T22:15:39Z

Jason Dunn
...but then the little one shifts his weight and does a hip throw...

...the bigger sumo falls down...

2009-01-09T22:14:48Z

Jason Dunn
...the bigger sumo falls down...

...and goes boom.

2009-01-09T22:16:44Z

Jason Dunn
...and goes boom.

He's still booming.

2009-01-09T22:14:11Z

Jason Dunn
He's still booming.

Ashley thought the position of the fan was quite hilarious!

2009-01-09T22:18:26Z

Jason Dunn
Ashley thought the position of the fan was quite hilarious!

When one sumo is trying to bear-lift another sumo, the sumo being lifted will latch on to the belt of the other sumo to avoid being lifted. The result is a titanic wedgie.

2009-01-09T22:19:31Z

Jason Dunn
When one sumo is trying to bear-lift another sumo, the sumo being lifted will latch on to the belt of the other sumo to avoid being lifted. The result is a titanic wedgie.

Yes, that's a white man sumo - there were several in the tournament.

2009-01-09T22:16:16Z

Jason Dunn
Yes, that's a white man sumo - there were several in the tournament.

White man lost even though he was the heavier sumo.

2009-01-09T22:17:23Z

Jason Dunn
White man lost even though he was the heavier sumo.

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 039.jpg

2009-01-09T22:17:20Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 039.jpg

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 040.jpg

2009-01-09T22:19:17Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 040.jpg

It looks like that big sumo on the ground is crying, doesn't it? Don't cry big sumo.

2009-01-09T22:18:53Z

Jason Dunn
It looks like that big sumo on the ground is crying, doesn't it? Don't cry big sumo.

Before each segment of the tournament began, the sumo would come out and be presented to the audience. Amazingly colourful ceremonial clothing...

2009-01-09T22:16:07Z

Jason Dunn
Before each segment of the tournament began, the sumo would come out and be presented to the audience. Amazingly colourful ceremonial clothing...

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 043.jpg

2009-01-09T22:19:32Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 043.jpg

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 044.jpg

2009-01-09T22:18:56Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 044.jpg

This white guy made me chuckle because he was so in shape he had a six-pack - he's obviously very strong, but he lacks the sheer bulk of his opponent. Would he have the skill to survive?

2009-01-09T22:15:50Z

Jason Dunn
This white guy made me chuckle because he was so in shape he had a six-pack - he's obviously very strong, but he lacks the sheer bulk of his opponent. Would he have the skill to survive?

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 046.jpg

2009-01-09T22:17:57Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 046.jpg

Strong white man ended up on his back after this throw. Oh well. Back to the Total Gym for you!

2009-01-09T22:17:29Z

Jason Dunn
Strong white man ended up on his back after this throw. Oh well. Back to the Total Gym for you!

That's right, another white guy competing - I noticed that when the white guys were defeated, the crowd seemed to cheer extra loudly - I think it's still viewed as somewhat of an affront tha ...

2009-01-09T22:17:34Z

Jason Dunn
That's right, another white guy competing - I noticed that when the white guys were defeated, the crowd seemed to cheer extra loudly - I think it's still viewed as somewhat of an affront tha ...

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 049.jpg

2009-01-09T22:13:17Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 049.jpg

In the latter part of the tournament, the heavy hitters started to emerge - you could tell that the crowd was more excited.

2009-01-09T22:16:12Z

Jason Dunn
In the latter part of the tournament, the heavy hitters started to emerge - you could tell that the crowd was more excited.

Notice the body patches on the sumo over to the left - perhaps covering open wounds from training? When sumo go down, they go down HARD.

2009-01-09T22:16:13Z

Jason Dunn
Notice the body patches on the sumo over to the left - perhaps covering open wounds from training? When sumo go down, they go down HARD.

The sumo on the right could go almost completely vertical with his leg stretches - the crowd loved this, they cheered loudly every time he did it. You can see a few people smiling in the bac ...

2009-01-09T22:18:19Z

Jason Dunn
The sumo on the right could go almost completely vertical with his leg stretches - the crowd loved this, they cheered loudly every time he did it. You can see a few people smiling in the bac ...

These two sumo hit it hard, but the match ended quite quickly.

2009-01-09T22:18:20Z

Jason Dunn
These two sumo hit it hard, but the match ended quite quickly.

...or so it seemed - these judges, who all sat arrayed around the ring, immediately convened in the ring and they gave the two sumo another chance to compete.

2009-01-09T22:16:32Z

Jason Dunn
...or so it seemed - these judges, who all sat arrayed around the ring, immediately convened in the ring and they gave the two sumo another chance to compete.

It didn't matter - bright green sumo got owned again.

2009-01-09T22:17:18Z

Jason Dunn
It didn't matter - bright green sumo got owned again.

Most of the sumo in the latter part of the tournament were quite a bit heavier than the sumo in the early parts of the tournament.

2009-01-09T22:18:29Z

Jason Dunn
Most of the sumo in the latter part of the tournament were quite a bit heavier than the sumo in the early parts of the tournament.

When a throw like this starts, it's not always obvious who initiated it or who will end up on the bottom...

2009-01-09T22:15:40Z

Jason Dunn
When a throw like this starts, it's not always obvious who initiated it or who will end up on the bottom...

...but it looks like blue sumo is more off-balance than purple sumo.

2009-01-09T22:19:11Z

Jason Dunn
...but it looks like blue sumo is more off-balance than purple sumo.

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 059.jpg

2009-01-09T22:17:22Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 059.jpg

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 060.jpg

2009-01-09T22:18:07Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 060.jpg

Point and match to purple sumo!

2009-01-09T22:17:10Z

Jason Dunn
Point and match to purple sumo!

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 062.jpg

2009-01-09T22:18:22Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 062.jpg

If the sumo steps outside the ring, they lose.

2009-01-09T22:16:27Z

Jason Dunn
If the sumo steps outside the ring, they lose.

A few matches were over within one second - the sumo in purple dodged out of the way, and the sumo in blue simply fell forward.

2009-01-09T22:17:45Z

Jason Dunn
A few matches were over within one second - the sumo in purple dodged out of the way, and the sumo in blue simply fell forward.

This white boy was BIG.

2009-01-09T22:17:18Z

Jason Dunn
This white boy was BIG.

Sumo seemed to be as much about balance as it was about sheer power - both of these sumo are dangerously close to the edge of the ring. One step outside it, and they lose.

2009-01-09T22:17:51Z

Jason Dunn
Sumo seemed to be as much about balance as it was about sheer power - both of these sumo are dangerously close to the edge of the ring. One step outside it, and they lose.

One sumo recovered his balance, the other did not. Match over!

2009-01-09T22:14:43Z

Jason Dunn
One sumo recovered his balance, the other did not. Match over!

We only saw the salt throwing in the latter part of the day - I know it has some spiritual significance.

2009-01-09T22:18:57Z

Jason Dunn
We only saw the salt throwing in the latter part of the day - I know it has some spiritual significance.

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 069.jpg

2009-01-09T22:15:34Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 069.jpg

...one the edge...

2009-01-09T22:19:16Z

Jason Dunn
...one the edge...

...and over it.

2009-01-09T22:16:09Z

Jason Dunn
...and over it.

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 072.jpg

2009-01-09T22:18:19Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 072.jpg

We weren't sure what this ceremony was about, but it seemed to be quite important to the tournament.

2009-01-09T22:15:56Z

Jason Dunn
We weren't sure what this ceremony was about, but it seemed to be quite important to the tournament.

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 074.jpg

2009-01-09T22:15:56Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 074.jpg

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 075.jpg

2009-01-09T22:17:58Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 075.jpg

Ring around the sake...

2009-01-09T22:18:32Z

Jason Dunn
Ring around the sake...

...we all fall down.

2009-01-09T22:16:54Z

Jason Dunn
...we all fall down.

I thought this white guy looked like he should have had a beer in his hand.

2009-01-09T22:14:37Z

Jason Dunn
I thought this white guy looked like he should have had a beer in his hand.

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 079.jpg

2009-01-09T22:15:02Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 079.jpg

Another instantly-over match.

2009-01-09T22:15:06Z

Jason Dunn
Another instantly-over match.

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 081.jpg

2009-01-09T22:17:15Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 081.jpg

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 082.jpg

2009-01-09T22:17:30Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 082.jpg

Notice how both his feet are off the ground - these sumo wrestlers are strong!

2009-01-09T22:18:55Z

Jason Dunn
Notice how both his feet are off the ground - these sumo wrestlers are strong!

Again with the vending machines! Literally on every street corner, in every building and in every store. Quite amazing!

2009-01-09T22:18:48Z

Jason Dunn
Again with the vending machines! Literally on every street corner, in every building and in every store. Quite amazing!

We're not sure whom this sumo was - probably the Yokozuna (champion).

2009-01-09T22:14:32Z

Jason Dunn
We're not sure whom this sumo was - probably the Yokozuna (champion).

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 086.jpg

2009-01-09T22:11:03Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 086.jpg

Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 087.jpg

2009-01-09T22:13:51Z

Jason Dunn
Japan 2008 - Day 1 - 087.jpg

Some of the things champion sumo are presented with (we think).

2009-01-09T22:14:49Z

Jason Dunn
Some of the things champion sumo are presented with (we think).

Amazingly detailed wood-work (one of the sumo prizes).

2009-01-09T22:13:54Z

Jason Dunn
Amazingly detailed wood-work (one of the sumo prizes).

We weren't sure what this store was for, but the little guy up top was waving a fan at us, so we took his picture.

2009-01-09T22:13:30Z

Jason Dunn
We weren't sure what this store was for, but the little guy up top was waving a fan at us, so we took his picture.

We saw these signs at all the subway stations. According to a friend who lives in Yokohama, they're for spsecific times during the day. We noticed while here that there seem to be many more ...

2009-01-09T22:10:06Z

Jason Dunn
We saw these signs at all the subway stations. According to a friend who lives in Yokohama, they're for spsecific times during the day. We noticed while here that there seem to be many more ...

An ambulance racing down the road. Interestingly, we noticed how quiet it always is here - except in large shopping areas, of course. Ambulances and even car horns were few and far between. ...

2009-01-09T22:11:08Z

Jason Dunn
An ambulance racing down the road. Interestingly, we noticed how quiet it always is here - except in large shopping areas, of course. Ambulances and even car horns were few and far between. ...

Starbucks is HUGE here. Between Starbucks and McDonald's, some street corners look more like we're in North America than Japan!

2009-01-09T22:10:36Z

Jason Dunn
Starbucks is HUGE here. Between Starbucks and McDonald's, some street corners look more like we're in North America than Japan!

Food porn. Granted, I wouldn't necessarily order this again, it was okay.... Odd combo though - chicken with melted cheese, and fries.

2009-01-09T22:09:53Z

Jason Dunn
Food porn. Granted, I wouldn't necessarily order this again, it was okay.... Odd combo though - chicken with melted cheese, and fries.