The rituals, theatrical constructs and sartorial styles connected to this ancient martial art may seem visually arresting to the uninitiated, but as “Discover Sumo” tells us, there is much more to Japan’s national sport than meets the eye.
Sumo yobidashi are workmen whose duties include announcing wrestlers’ names, drumming, constructing the sumo ring and more. A retired yobidashi himself, the author maintains that the skills required to officiate at sumo events are largely acquired after a long process of observation and imitation.
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