Here’s Anpan man ringing the bell above the giant rope cord, before donating money and praying. Quite the action shot.
I’m using a new film camera now, in addition to the digital one. Do you notice any difference?
Sexy, adorable Mongolian sumo wrestler Hakuho has now extended his consecutive wins to 46, placing him 3rd in the ranks of all-time greatest sumo wrestlers. Since Asashoryu’s expulsion, Hakuho is the only yokozuna, or top-ranked player now. He is guaranteed to win the Nagoya championship that ends today. I was glad to see that despite the recent yakuza gambling scandal, the Nagoya stadium was full for this big match.
Watching on television allowed me to also focus on the opening ritual, in which Hakuho squats, lifts one leg to the side, drops his weight with a thud, thrusts his pelvis, and gives an impish stare. All while wearing not only the normal jockstrap-like costume, but also Shinto paper decorations and an elaborate rope sculpture on his back. A perfect mix of spirituality and raw physicality.
A lovely photo by Annie Leibowitz from my favorite blog, mrs-o.org. And a gushing tribute to Mrs O in the New York Times Opinion section. Yes, Mrs O even double dutche jump ropes!
Tokyo Moe 