Child Sumo Wrestlers in the Early 20th Century
JapanSugoi has uncovered three grainy but fascinating black-and-white photographs of adorable, fledgling sumo wrestlers in early 20th century Japan.
Professional sumo derived from sporting practices during the Edo period in Japan (17th to mid-19th century). Historically, wrestlers were samurai, often rōnin (samurai without a lord or master) earning an alternative form of income. Today, aspiring wrestlers often enter Sumo schools as teenagers, passing a weight class before acceptance.
But for all their strict traditions, we also hear they love their iPads!
[via JapanSugoi]
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TAGS: japan • Japan Sumo Association • old photographs • Sumo wrestling
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