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  • Sumo "keiko" or practice at a sumo stable in Tokyo. Sumo is a competitive sport in Japan where two wrestlers attempt to force one another out of a circular ring.  The Japanese consider sumo a kind of martial art and the sumo tradition is very ancient. Even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use of salt for purification, harking back to the days when sumo was used in the Shinto religion.
    sumo-stable-3.jpg
  • Sumo "keiko" or practice at a sumo stable in Tokyo. Sumo is a competitive sport in Japan where two wrestlers attempt to force one another out of a circular ring.  The Japanese consider sumo a kind of martial art and the sumo tradition is very ancient. Even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use of salt for purification, harking back to the days when sumo was used in the Shinto religion.
    sumo-stable-5.jpg
  • Sumo "keiko" or practice at a sumo stable in Tokyo. Sumo is a competitive sport in Japan where two wrestlers attempt to force one another out of a circular ring.  The Japanese consider sumo a kind of martial art and the sumo tradition is very ancient. Even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use of salt for purification, harking back to the days when sumo was used in the Shinto religion.
    sumo-stable-4.jpg
  • Sumo "keiko" or practice at a sumo stable in Tokyo. Sumo is a competitive sport in Japan where two wrestlers attempt to force one another out of a circular ring.  The Japanese consider sumo a kind of martial art and the sumo tradition is very ancient. Even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use of salt for purification, harking back to the days when sumo was used in the Shinto religion.
    sumo-stable-6.jpg
  • Sumo "keiko" or practice at a sumo stable in Tokyo. Sumo is a competitive sport in Japan where two wrestlers attempt to force one another out of a circular ring.  The Japanese consider sumo a kind of martial art and the sumo tradition is very ancient. Even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use of salt for purification, harking back to the days when sumo was used in the Shinto religion.
    sumo-stable-7.jpg
  • Sumo is a competitive contact sport where a wrestler attempts to force another wrestler out of a circular ring  or to touch the ground with anything other than the soles of the feet. The sport originated in Japan, the only country where it is practiced professionally. The Japanese consider sumo a martial art, though the sport has a history spanning many centuries. The sumo tradition is very ancient, and even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use of salt for purification, from the days sumo was used in the Shinto religion. Life as a rikishi is highly regimented, with rules laid down by the Sumo Association.
    sumo-wrestlers.jpg
  • Sumo "keiko" or practice at a sumo stable in Tokyo. Sumo is a competitive sport in Japan where two wrestlers attempt to force one another out of a circular ring.  The Japanese consider sumo a kind of martial art and the sumo tradition is very ancient. Even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use of salt for purification, harking back to the days when sumo was used in the Shinto religion.
    sumo-stable-2.jpg
  • Sumo "keiko" or practice at a sumo stable in Tokyo. Sumo is a competitive sport in Japan where two wrestlers attempt to force one another out of a circular ring.  The Japanese consider sumo a kind of martial art and the sumo tradition is very ancient. Even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use of salt for purification, harking back to the days when sumo was used in the Shinto religion.
    sumo-stable-1.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-13.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-1.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-2.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-3.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-4.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-9.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-11.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-6.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-7.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-20.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-15.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-5.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-17.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-8.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-10.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-12.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-21.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-14.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-16.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-18.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-19.jpg
  • Until the Edo period Japanese fundoshi loincloths were almost universally used as underwear by Japanese men.  By the end of WWII and increased westernization, fundoshi were common among most Japanese men.  During the postwar occupation of Japanese, foreigners were surprised that men walked around town revealing their bottoms. Laws were enacted, prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics regulating nakedness in public places.  As a result began to believe that the fundoshi loincloth was a vulgar thing to wear, even as underpants. Modern Japanese have come to  tend to think that the fundoshi loincloth, is a embarrassing item.  People generally have the image of the fundoshi as old, conservative or generally uncool, and only suitable for wearing at summer festivals.  Even though fundoshi are used by sumo wrestlers, and are common even today during festivals, they are mostly popular only with Japanese gays of a certain type.  However, some people value fundoshi as cool, healthy and comfortable underwear.  There are a few types of fundoshi.  The most common is called rokushaku, which literally means “six shaku” or 180 cm. There are also etchu, kuroneko and mokko styles.  Fundoshi are normally made of cotton, though linen or silk crepe is also used.
    fundoshi-08.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-12.jpg
  • Kappa - mythical, supernatural creatures are a product of the Japanese imagination.  Living on both land and water, they have snouts as well as fins, shells on their backs and a water filled dish on their heads.  As long as the dish is full of water, Kappa keep their powers.  Kappas Kawataro are known to be fans of Sumo wrestling and cucumbers, thus the "kappamaki' rolls found in sushi.  Kappabashi, the chef and kitchenware area of Asakusa, Tokyo renowned for plastic food.
    kappa-3.jpg
  • Until the Edo period Japanese fundoshi loincloths were almost universally used as underwear by Japanese men.  By the end of WWII and increased westernization, fundoshi were common among most Japanese men.  During the postwar occupation of Japanese, foreigners were surprised that men walked around town revealing their bottoms. Laws were enacted, prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics regulating nakedness in public places.  As a result began to believe that the fundoshi loincloth was a vulgar thing to wear, even as underpants. Modern Japanese have come to  tend to think that the fundoshi loincloth, is a embarrassing item.  People generally have the image of the fundoshi as old, conservative or generally uncool, and only suitable for wearing at summer festivals.  Even though fundoshi are used by sumo wrestlers, and are common even today during festivals, they are mostly popular only with Japanese gays of a certain type.  However, some people value fundoshi as cool, healthy and comfortable underwear.  There are a few types of fundoshi.  The most common is called rokushaku, which literally means “six shaku” or 180 cm. There are also etchu, kuroneko and mokko styles.  Fundoshi are normally made of cotton, though linen or silk crepe is also used.
    fundoshi-07.jpg
  • Until the Edo period Japanese fundoshi loincloths were almost universally used as underwear by Japanese men.  By the end of WWII and increased westernization, fundoshi were common among most Japanese men.  During the postwar occupation of Japanese, foreigners were surprised that men walked around town revealing their bottoms. Laws were enacted, prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics regulating nakedness in public places.  As a result began to believe that the fundoshi loincloth was a vulgar thing to wear, even as underpants. Modern Japanese have come to  tend to think that the fundoshi loincloth, is a embarrassing item.  People generally have the image of the fundoshi as old, conservative or generally uncool, and only suitable for wearing at summer festivals.  Even though fundoshi are used by sumo wrestlers, and are common even today during festivals, they are mostly popular only with Japanese gays of a certain type.  However, some people value fundoshi as cool, healthy and comfortable underwear.  There are a few types of fundoshi.  The most common is called rokushaku, which literally means “six shaku” or 180 cm. There are also etchu, kuroneko and mokko styles.  Fundoshi are normally made of cotton, though linen or silk crepe is also used.
    fundoshi-06.jpg
  • Until the Edo period Japanese fundoshi loincloths were almost universally used as underwear by Japanese men.  By the end of WWII and increased westernization, fundoshi were common among most Japanese men.  During the postwar occupation of Japanese, foreigners were surprised that men walked around town revealing their bottoms. Laws were enacted, prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics regulating nakedness in public places.  As a result began to believe that the fundoshi loincloth was a vulgar thing to wear, even as underpants. Modern Japanese have come to  tend to think that the fundoshi loincloth, is a embarrassing item.  People generally have the image of the fundoshi as old, conservative or generally uncool, and only suitable for wearing at summer festivals.  Even though fundoshi are used by sumo wrestlers, and are common even today during festivals, they are mostly popular only with Japanese gays of a certain type.  However, some people value fundoshi as cool, healthy and comfortable underwear.  There are a few types of fundoshi.  The most common is called rokushaku, which literally means “six shaku” or 180 cm. There are also etchu, kuroneko and mokko styles.  Fundoshi are normally made of cotton, though linen or silk crepe is also used.
    fundoshi-05.jpg
  • Until the Edo period Japanese fundoshi loincloths were almost universally used as underwear by Japanese men.  By the end of WWII and increased westernization, fundoshi were common among most Japanese men.  During the postwar occupation of Japanese, foreigners were surprised that men walked around town revealing their bottoms. Laws were enacted, prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics regulating nakedness in public places.  As a result began to believe that the fundoshi loincloth was a vulgar thing to wear, even as underpants. Modern Japanese have come to  tend to think that the fundoshi loincloth, is a embarrassing item.  People generally have the image of the fundoshi as old, conservative or generally uncool, and only suitable for wearing at summer festivals.  Even though fundoshi are used by sumo wrestlers, and are common even today during festivals, they are mostly popular only with Japanese gays of a certain type.  However, some people value fundoshi as cool, healthy and comfortable underwear.  There are a few types of fundoshi.  The most common is called rokushaku, which literally means “six shaku” or 180 cm. There are also etchu, kuroneko and mokko styles.  Fundoshi are normally made of cotton, though linen or silk crepe is also used.
    fundoshi-04.jpg
  • Ryogoku Station is the main railway station for the grand sumo stadium Kokugikan.  This old art deco station is operated by JR East.  The main station building is being renovated inside, though the trains are still operating inside as platforms still in use while interior is being remodeled.
    JR-ryogoku-station-2.jpg
  • Ryogoku Station is the main railway station for the grand sumo stadium Kokugikan.  This old art deco station is operated by JR East.  The main station building is being renovated inside, though the trains are still operating inside as platforms still in use while interior is being remodeled.
    JR-ryogoku-station-3.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-09.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-07.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-06.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-03.jpg
  • Until the Edo period Japanese fundoshi loincloths were almost universally used as underwear by Japanese men.  By the end of WWII and increased westernization, fundoshi were common among most Japanese men.  During the postwar occupation of Japanese, foreigners were surprised that men walked around town revealing their bottoms. Laws were enacted, prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics regulating nakedness in public places.  As a result began to believe that the fundoshi loincloth was a vulgar thing to wear, even as underpants. Modern Japanese have come to  tend to think that the fundoshi loincloth, is a embarrassing item.  People generally have the image of the fundoshi as old, conservative or generally uncool, and only suitable for wearing at summer festivals.  Even though fundoshi are used by sumo wrestlers, and are common even today during festivals, they are mostly popular only with Japanese gays of a certain type.  However, some people value fundoshi as cool, healthy and comfortable underwear.  There are a few types of fundoshi.  The most common is called rokushaku, which literally means “six shaku” or 180 cm. There are also etchu, kuroneko and mokko styles.  Fundoshi are normally made of cotton, though linen or silk crepe is also used.
    fundoshi-14 (1).jpg
  • Until the Edo period Japanese fundoshi loincloths were almost universally used as underwear by Japanese men.  By the end of WWII and increased westernization, fundoshi were common among most Japanese men.  During the postwar occupation of Japanese, foreigners were surprised that men walked around town revealing their bottoms. Laws were enacted, prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics regulating nakedness in public places.  As a result began to believe that the fundoshi loincloth was a vulgar thing to wear, even as underpants. Modern Japanese have come to  tend to think that the fundoshi loincloth, is a embarrassing item.  People generally have the image of the fundoshi as old, conservative or generally uncool, and only suitable for wearing at summer festivals.  Even though fundoshi are used by sumo wrestlers, and are common even today during festivals, they are mostly popular only with Japanese gays of a certain type.  However, some people value fundoshi as cool, healthy and comfortable underwear.  There are a few types of fundoshi.  The most common is called rokushaku, which literally means “six shaku” or 180 cm. There are also etchu, kuroneko and mokko styles.  Fundoshi are normally made of cotton, though linen or silk crepe is also used.
    fundoshi-13.jpg
  • Until the Edo period Japanese fundoshi loincloths were almost universally used as underwear by Japanese men.  By the end of WWII and increased westernization, fundoshi were common among most Japanese men.  During the postwar occupation of Japanese, foreigners were surprised that men walked around town revealing their bottoms. Laws were enacted, prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics regulating nakedness in public places.  As a result began to believe that the fundoshi loincloth was a vulgar thing to wear, even as underpants. Modern Japanese have come to  tend to think that the fundoshi loincloth, is a embarrassing item.  People generally have the image of the fundoshi as old, conservative or generally uncool, and only suitable for wearing at summer festivals.  Even though fundoshi are used by sumo wrestlers, and are common even today during festivals, they are mostly popular only with Japanese gays of a certain type.  However, some people value fundoshi as cool, healthy and comfortable underwear.  There are a few types of fundoshi.  The most common is called rokushaku, which literally means “six shaku” or 180 cm. There are also etchu, kuroneko and mokko styles.  Fundoshi are normally made of cotton, though linen or silk crepe is also used.
    fundoshi-12.jpg
  • Until the Edo period Japanese fundoshi loincloths were almost universally used as underwear by Japanese men.  By the end of WWII and increased westernization, fundoshi were common among most Japanese men.  During the postwar occupation of Japanese, foreigners were surprised that men walked around town revealing their bottoms. Laws were enacted, prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics regulating nakedness in public places.  As a result began to believe that the fundoshi loincloth was a vulgar thing to wear, even as underpants. Modern Japanese have come to  tend to think that the fundoshi loincloth, is a embarrassing item.  People generally have the image of the fundoshi as old, conservative or generally uncool, and only suitable for wearing at summer festivals.  Even though fundoshi are used by sumo wrestlers, and are common even today during festivals, they are mostly popular only with Japanese gays of a certain type.  However, some people value fundoshi as cool, healthy and comfortable underwear.  There are a few types of fundoshi.  The most common is called rokushaku, which literally means “six shaku” or 180 cm. There are also etchu, kuroneko and mokko styles.  Fundoshi are normally made of cotton, though linen or silk crepe is also used.
    fundoshi-10.jpg
  • Until the Edo period Japanese fundoshi loincloths were almost universally used as underwear by Japanese men.  By the end of WWII and increased westernization, fundoshi were common among most Japanese men.  During the postwar occupation of Japanese, foreigners were surprised that men walked around town revealing their bottoms. Laws were enacted, prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics regulating nakedness in public places.  As a result began to believe that the fundoshi loincloth was a vulgar thing to wear, even as underpants. Modern Japanese have come to  tend to think that the fundoshi loincloth, is a embarrassing item.  People generally have the image of the fundoshi as old, conservative or generally uncool, and only suitable for wearing at summer festivals.  Even though fundoshi are used by sumo wrestlers, and are common even today during festivals, they are mostly popular only with Japanese gays of a certain type.  However, some people value fundoshi as cool, healthy and comfortable underwear.  There are a few types of fundoshi.  The most common is called rokushaku, which literally means “six shaku” or 180 cm. There are also etchu, kuroneko and mokko styles.  Fundoshi are normally made of cotton, though linen or silk crepe is also used.
    fundoshi-09.jpg
  • Until the Edo period Japanese fundoshi loincloths were almost universally used as underwear by Japanese men.  By the end of WWII and increased westernization, fundoshi were common among most Japanese men.  During the postwar occupation of Japanese, foreigners were surprised that men walked around town revealing their bottoms. Laws were enacted, prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics regulating nakedness in public places.  As a result began to believe that the fundoshi loincloth was a vulgar thing to wear, even as underpants. Modern Japanese have come to  tend to think that the fundoshi loincloth, is a embarrassing item.  People generally have the image of the fundoshi as old, conservative or generally uncool, and only suitable for wearing at summer festivals.  Even though fundoshi are used by sumo wrestlers, and are common even today during festivals, they are mostly popular only with Japanese gays of a certain type.  However, some people value fundoshi as cool, healthy and comfortable underwear.  There are a few types of fundoshi.  The most common is called rokushaku, which literally means “six shaku” or 180 cm. There are also etchu, kuroneko and mokko styles.  Fundoshi are normally made of cotton, though linen or silk crepe is also used.
    fundoshi-02.jpg
  • Until the Edo period Japanese fundoshi loincloths were almost universally used as underwear by Japanese men.  By the end of WWII and increased westernization, fundoshi were common among most Japanese men.  During the postwar occupation of Japanese, foreigners were surprised that men walked around town revealing their bottoms. Laws were enacted, prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics regulating nakedness in public places.  As a result began to believe that the fundoshi loincloth was a vulgar thing to wear, even as underpants. Modern Japanese have come to  tend to think that the fundoshi loincloth, is a embarrassing item.  People generally have the image of the fundoshi as old, conservative or generally uncool, and only suitable for wearing at summer festivals.  Even though fundoshi are used by sumo wrestlers, and are common even today during festivals, they are mostly popular only with Japanese gays of a certain type.  However, some people value fundoshi as cool, healthy and comfortable underwear.  There are a few types of fundoshi.  The most common is called rokushaku, which literally means “six shaku” or 180 cm. There are also etchu, kuroneko and mokko styles.  Fundoshi are normally made of cotton, though linen or silk crepe is also used.
    fundoshi-03.jpg
  • Until the Edo period Japanese fundoshi loincloths were almost universally used as underwear by Japanese men.  By the end of WWII and increased westernization, fundoshi were common among most Japanese men.  During the postwar occupation of Japanese, foreigners were surprised that men walked around town revealing their bottoms. Laws were enacted, prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics regulating nakedness in public places.  As a result began to believe that the fundoshi loincloth was a vulgar thing to wear, even as underpants. Modern Japanese have come to  tend to think that the fundoshi loincloth, is a embarrassing item.  People generally have the image of the fundoshi as old, conservative or generally uncool, and only suitable for wearing at summer festivals.  Even though fundoshi are used by sumo wrestlers, and are common even today during festivals, they are mostly popular only with Japanese gays of a certain type.  However, some people value fundoshi as cool, healthy and comfortable underwear.  There are a few types of fundoshi.  The most common is called rokushaku, which literally means “six shaku” or 180 cm. There are also etchu, kuroneko and mokko styles.  Fundoshi are normally made of cotton, though linen or silk crepe is also used.
    fundoshi-01.jpg
  • Ryogoku Station is the main railway station for the grand sumo stadium Kokugikan.  This old art deco station is operated by JR East.  The main station building is being renovated inside, though the trains are still operating inside as platforms still in use while interior is being remodeled.
    JR-ryogoku-station-1.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-26.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-3.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-15.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-16.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-17.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-14.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-13.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-11.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-10.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-05.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-04.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-01.jpg
  • Until the Edo period Japanese fundoshi loincloths were almost universally used as underwear by Japanese men.  By the end of WWII and increased westernization, fundoshi were common among most Japanese men.  During the postwar occupation of Japanese, foreigners were surprised that men walked around town revealing their bottoms. Laws were enacted, prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics regulating nakedness in public places.  As a result began to believe that the fundoshi loincloth was a vulgar thing to wear, even as underpants. Modern Japanese have come to  tend to think that the fundoshi loincloth, is a embarrassing item.  People generally have the image of the fundoshi as old, conservative or generally uncool, and only suitable for wearing at summer festivals.  Even though fundoshi are used by sumo wrestlers, and are common even today during festivals, they are mostly popular only with Japanese gays of a certain type.  However, some people value fundoshi as cool, healthy and comfortable underwear.  There are a few types of fundoshi.  The most common is called rokushaku, which literally means “six shaku” or 180 cm. There are also etchu, kuroneko and mokko styles.  Fundoshi are normally made of cotton, though linen or silk crepe is also used.
    Koshogatsu-20.jpg
  • Until the Edo period Japanese fundoshi loincloths were almost universally used as underwear by Japanese men.  By the end of WWII and increased westernization, fundoshi were common among most Japanese men.  During the postwar occupation of Japanese, foreigners were surprised that men walked around town revealing their bottoms. Laws were enacted, prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics regulating nakedness in public places.  As a result began to believe that the fundoshi loincloth was a vulgar thing to wear, even as underpants. Modern Japanese have come to  tend to think that the fundoshi loincloth, is a embarrassing item.  People generally have the image of the fundoshi as old, conservative or generally uncool, and only suitable for wearing at summer festivals.  Even though fundoshi are used by sumo wrestlers, and are common even today during festivals, they are mostly popular only with Japanese gays of a certain type.  However, some people value fundoshi as cool, healthy and comfortable underwear.  There are a few types of fundoshi.  The most common is called rokushaku, which literally means “six shaku” or 180 cm. There are also etchu, kuroneko and mokko styles.  Fundoshi are normally made of cotton, though linen or silk crepe is also used.
    fundoshi-11.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-08.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-02.jpg