Opinion 20th Century Sumo By SCOTT T. HARDS	フレームで見る  英文をプリントする  脚注をプリントする
現代の相撲とは 現代の相撲とは 伝統を残しつつ現代でも人気の高い競技という 意味で、相撲の果たす役割は大きい。 しかし今後も相撲の発展を求めるならば 性差別的な伝統や八百長問題などを見直し、 人々に受け入れられる相撲を 目指さなければならない。

I love sumo. The first time I came to Japan (1980), I was shocked and puzzled, but ultimately thrilled, by the spectacle of fat men in loincloths squatting and throwing salt for minutes before a bout that usually lasts just seconds. I appreciated its simplicity and its rich traditions. More than any other professional sport, sumo defends its traditions, allowing us to see a little piece of feudal Japan alive and well in the 20th century.

However, simply because something is a centuries-old tradition does not necessarily mean it is worth maintaining. Sumo's practice of prohibiting women from entering the "dohyo," or ring where the sport is practiced, is one such tradition.

Osaka has a new governor, and she's a woman. Sumo has a tournament this month in Osaka, and she wants to present an award to the champion. This takes place on the dohyo, and the Japan Sumo Federation has told her "no."

Big mistake, gentlemen. Discrimination by gender is not something you want to protect by wrapping it in the cloak of "tradition" any more than you want to defend slavery simply because people have been doing it for hundreds or thousands of years. Modern society is smarter than that, and sumo will not suffer any harm from a woman presenting the victor with an award.

If the men who run sumo are worried about somebody harming their sport, it's time for them to take a look closer to home — at the wrestlers themselves.

Recently, an ex-rikishi who wrestled under the name of Itai accused many in the sport of fixing bouts for money. In fact, he admits that he was one of the perpetrators. At its worst, Itai says, up to 80 percent of the bouts on any given day have been fixed.

The media have published his story widely, but, strangely, few seriously question it. Why would someone guilty of such a violation of the rules of sportsmanship decide to admit it openly and to begin pointing fingers? What is his motive? What does he have to gain? Are things as bad as he says?

Frankly, I expect Itai has some ulterior reasons for speaking out now. And although I believe some fixing has probably taken place, I doubt the problem is as severe as he suggests.

If you have any doubts about just how serious sumo wrestlers are, visit one of the stables during their early morning practice sessions and see just how hard they work! I have several times, even putting on a "mawashi" myself and practicing with them on a few occasions. Those kids want to get on top, and throwing a bout won't put them there.

Still, there are certainly situations where fixing may have taken place, and that's where the JSA needs to crack the whip. After Itai's press conference, the head of the JSA publicly stated that the organization doesn't believe any fixing has taken place.

That's fine, but he didn't go far enough. He should have added that if any wrestlers are caught cheating, they will be immediately suspended, or even banned permanently, from the sport.

Sumo's traditions may date from the Edo Period, but the fans that support it live in the present day. If sumo wants to survive in the modern era, it's time for the JSA to start waking up to the social wisdom of the 20th century.

Shukan ST: March 10, 2000

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