Journeys in Japan - Season 9 Episode 17 Tsugaru: Amateur Sumo, Indomitable Tradition
The Tsugaru area of Aomori Prefecture has long been known as one of Japan's top districts for developing sumo wrestlers. Since the first national sumo arena opened in 1909 in Tokyo's Ryogoku district, the 69 wrestlers from the prefecture have reached the top division - more than any other area of Japan. There are a number of reasons for this. In winter, Tsugaru receives heavy snowfalls, so people tend to focus on indoor sports, such as sumo. At the same time, the people of Tsugaru are noted for their patience and perseverance, qualities that are prized in sumo. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, American translator B.T travels to the Tsugaru area to watch young sumo wrestlers in action. He is shown around a museum that celebrates the local people's passion for the sport. He also takes in the majestic view from the top of Mt. Iwaki, and visits a museum exhibiting gigantic neputa festival floats.
First Air Date: Feb 02, 2010
Last Air date: Oct 22, 2024
Season: 15 Season
Episode: 513 Episode
Runtime: 28 minutes
IMDb: 9.00/10 by 1.00 users
Popularity: 42.867
Language: Japanese, English
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Episode
Traces of History: Exploring Around Hiroshima
Yokkaichi: Bringing Back the Skies
Tsubakuro-dake: New Year High Up in the Northern Alps
Oita: Rest and Recuperation, Onsen Style
Fukuoka: City of Food and Flavor
Takada: Community and Tradition in Snow Country
A Winter Wonderland of Ice: Eastern Hokkaido
Hachinohe: Warmth in Winter
Makabe: A Promise of Spring
Toyama: A Food Culture Rich in Umami
Following a Samurai Tea Master
Okumusashi: Spring Forest Feast
Agano River: Green Foliage and Spring Rituals
Ashikaga and Tochigi: Cultivating Nature and Tradition
Atami: The Spa Revival
Nikko: Contemplating Its Architectural Jewels
Tsugaru: Amateur Sumo, Indomitable Tradition
Tsuwano: Painted Past, Vividly Present
Remote Ojika Island: Portal to the Past
Misugi: Taking it Slow in the Mountains
Tobishima: Living Life on Island Time
Yuki & Oyama: Neighbors with Interwoven Tradition
Mt. Fuji: Climbing to the Sacred Realm
Kita-Akita: Deep Connections with Nature
Okushiri Island: Secret Gem Off Hokkaido
Totsukawa: A Spiritually Charged Place of Beauty
Iki: Island of Beauty and Promise
The Lost Pirates of the Seto Inland Sea
Kitayama Village: A Community with Unique Charms
Mt. Gozaisho: Going Extreme
Fukuoka: A City of Two Faces
Houki-cho: Preserving the Past for the Future
Kanazawa: A Legacy of Color
Iriomote Island: A Small Piece of Paradise