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.
Episodes in Season 9
Traces of History: Exploring Around Hiroshima
28 min
Yokkaichi: Bringing Back the Skies
28 min
Tsubakuro-dake: New Year High Up in the Northern Alps
28 min
Oita: Rest and Recuperation, Onsen Style
28 min
Fukuoka: City of Food and Flavor
28 min
Takada: Community and Tradition in Snow Country
28 min
A Winter Wonderland of Ice: Eastern Hokkaido
28 min
Hachinohe: Warmth in Winter
28 min
Makabe: A Promise of Spring
28 min
Toyama: A Food Culture Rich in Umami
28 min
Following a Samurai Tea Master
28 min
Okumusashi: Spring Forest Feast
28 min
Agano River: Green Foliage and Spring Rituals
28 min
Ashikaga and Tochigi: Cultivating Nature and Tradition
28 min
Atami: The Spa Revival
28 min
Nikko: Contemplating Its Architectural Jewels
28 min
Tsugaru: Amateur Sumo, Indomitable Tradition
28 min
Tsuwano: Painted Past, Vividly Present
28 min
Remote Ojika Island: Portal to the Past
28 min
Misugi: Taking it Slow in the Mountains
28 min
Tobishima: Living Life on Island Time
28 min
Yuki & Oyama: Neighbors with Interwoven Tradition
28 min
Mt. Fuji: Climbing to the Sacred Realm
28 min
Kita-Akita: Deep Connections with Nature
28 min
Okushiri Island: Secret Gem Off Hokkaido
28 min
Totsukawa: A Spiritually Charged Place of Beauty
28 min
Iki: Island of Beauty and Promise
28 min
The Lost Pirates of the Seto Inland Sea
28 min
Kitayama Village: A Community with Unique Charms
28 min
Mt. Gozaisho: Going Extreme
28 min
Fukuoka: A City of Two Faces
28 min
Houki-cho: Preserving the Past for the Future
28 min
Kanazawa: A Legacy of Color
28 min
Iriomote Island: A Small Piece of Paradise
28 min
