[sumo] Effect of jungyo

[Barbara]

Charles Beauchamp wrote:
> This is all well and interesting to read insomuch as
> it being complete nonsense.  Sumo is entertainment..no
> more no less.  That is all that it is.  That is all
> that it has ever been.  The ceremonial traits and such
> are nothing more then part of the show.  

It is the exact opposite of that description.  Sumo does earn money, but 
it is such an essential part of the Japanese self-image that even if the 
crowds left and money became short, it would not be allowed to 
disappear.  The Japanese government, if necessary, would take whatever 
steps required to retain sumo as a living entity forever.  "nothing more 
then [sic] part of the show" is as far from the truth as it can be.  I'm 
sure that continuing to watch sumo and observing the statements of 
Japanese defending sumo as a tradition will make the obvious more 
obvious.  The Japanese are often bewildered to see their own motivations 
explained by Westerners as being identical to Western ones and I fear 
this is a perfect example.  Let's show them we are capable of 
understanding and learning at least some of what it means to be 
Japanese.  Japanese do read this mailing list!

;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;
Barbara Murasakihana