Way of Salt: Sumo and the Culture of Japan

The objective in sumo, Japan's 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 weight 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 Shinto shrines to entertain the gods and as a prayer for a good harvest. So, to fully appreciate and enjoy the sport one needs an...