Sumo, English Tea and visitors

Early September saw the arrival of Matt and Kirsty to stay with us and experience a little of what Tokyo has to offer.  They were the perfect visitors - up for anything and, even in the very high temperatures, seemed very happy to be dragged from place to place to see temples (lots of those) and buddahs and stuff.  Matt had expressed an interest in sumo before they arrived and as luck would have it the BIG tournament was going on while they were here.  Because of all the bad press around sumo at the moment, getting tickets was not so difficult and we were lucky enough to get a tour guide as well so we could learn a bit about what was actually going on. 

To be honest, I was not at all sure it was going to be my thing but Dave was keen (he loves any kind of sport), Kirsty was up for it and Matt was hugely excited!  So I toddled along for the ride.  Anyway, when we got there I was totally taken with it all.  Just seeing those giants of men strolling around the place and then learning about the discipline of it all was a huge eye-opener. 



Can you see that tiny ref in the middle?

The art of sumo is steeped in tradition linking back to its Shinto roots. The wrestlers bout may only last a few seconds but their sense of respect for each other and the sport comes across to you in waves. The tournament lasts fifteen days and we are now at day 12. I have to confess that I am to be found watching it on TV whilst I iron!

Who would have thought it? 

It was Matt's birthday whilst they were here and what do you do for a bloke who has everything?  We took him to the Ritz for Tea!  Yep, English Afternoon Tea at the Ritz in Tokyo - what a fabulous experience that was.

 A big thank you to Matt for the photos