By Ash Warren.

The objective in sumo, Japans national sport, is simple: Push one’s opponent out of the ring or make him touch the ground with anything other than the soles of his feet. This is accomplished by wrestlers who weigh over 350 pounds, clad only in loincloths, during a bout that can end in just seconds. Sumo, which dates back over 2,000 years, was first performed at Shint shrines to entertain the gods and as a prayer for a good harvest. So, to fully appreciate and enjoy the sport one needs an understanding of Japans ancient culture, people, and the Shint religion.

Paper: 188 pp.