Hyogo

Winter Jungyo, Week Two

Andy Jungyo (巡業), Sumo Topics , ,

A few things of note during Week Two. First, Yokozuna Terunofuji began practicing. He started with some butsukari with Ozeki Kotozakura, and then he did some practice bouts. I am sure the goal is for him to participate in Hatsu basho. Both Kotozakura and Hoshoryu are eyeing potential promotion in January. We have often spoken of the transition era but the last two tournaments have been missing something significant with the absence of Terunofuji. If Terunofuji goes the distance and is a factor in the yusho any outcome will have increased legitimacy, especially compared to when he is on the sidelines.

We also had double debuts for the bow-twirling ceremony. Hananoumi was on duty when the troupe passed through Ako City and Dewataikai performed it at the second event in Takarazuka. Hananoumi is in Nishonoseki-beya with Ozeki Onosato and Dewataikai is in Dewanoumi beya, the same Ichimon with Hoshoryu’s Tatsunami-beya. We’ve got Enho able to perform the ceremony from Isegahama and Kototsubasa on tap from Kotozakura’s Sadogatake-beya. No matter who is fighting in the musubi-no-ichiban, the Kyokai will be able to pair up with an associated yumitorishiki performer.

Kitakyushu and Shimonoseki

Day 7 and 8 of the Winter Jungyo took place in the two cities that straddle the Kanmon strait which separates Kyushu from Honshu. Kitakyushu is obviously on the Kyushu side, Shimonoseki is on the Honshu side. Onoe-beya took a pitstop here a few weeks ago on their way to Fukuoka. I was particularly struck by the scenery as okamisan panned the camera to take in the view. The islands within the straits seem to have ferries available for exploring. Just be careful of those massive ships!

Hyogo Prefecture

The next three Jungyo sites were in Hyogo Prefecture. Hyogo is interesting with Shin-Onsen on its northern coast on the Sea of Japan and then the southern coast on the Seto Sea. You will recognize the characters for Seto (瀬戸) as they are used in shikona. Setoyutaka, for example, is from neighboring Okayama prefecture which also borders the Seto Sea. The sea and neighboring coastal areas are known as the Setouchi region.

Both of our Jungyo sites, Ako city and Takarazuka are in the southern portion of Hyogo near the Seto sea. In 1703, Ako was the site of the “Ako Incident” which was made into several movies, including The Loyal 47 Ronin, another movie starring Keanu Reeves, and another one featuring Morgan Freeman. In the incident, 47 ronin avenge the death of their leader. Blood, guts, glory.

In other news, Ako is also known for salt production. All sumo fans will quickly recognize the significance of salt in our sport. Unfortunately, please note that the site dates from before the pandemic so I am not sure if the salt tour which is mentioned is still operating. There is an Ako Science Museum which has some restored salt fields along the coast.

Moving to the eastern border of Hyogo to Takarazuka, we move into more urban areas around Kobe. Takarazuka is also right next to Itami, known as the Birthplace of sake. There are several sake breweries in the area, including a couple of breweries which date back to the 17th Century.

Osaka

Osaka hosted two Jungyo events, Suita City and Kawachinagano. Unfortunately, I’ll be pretty brief here at the Osaka stops. Needless to say, I need to go to Osaka. From here, they will head to Mie prefecture and then on to the tropical paradise of Okinawa. Josh informed me of a ferry that goes to Okinawa. It would be pretty cool to take a sumo cruise with a boat-load of sumo wrestlers to Okinawa.