Category: Made in Japan

A scale showing the heights of the following rikishi, from left to right: Shakagatake Kumoemon, 5'11"; Ikuzuki Geitazaemon, 6' 0"; Oozora Buzaemon, 6' 0"; Ryuumon Yoshigoro, 6' 2"; Chiyonoyama Masanobu, 6' 3"; Oozutsu Manemon, 6' 6"; Yamakawa Toshio, 6' 6"; Hokuseiho Osamu, 6' 7"; Akashi Shiganosuke, 6' 7"; Kotooshu Katsunori, 6' 8"; Ouchiyama Heikichi, 6' 8"; Dewagatake Bunjiro, 6' 8"; Akebono Taro, 6' 8"; Fudoiwa Mitsuo, 7' 0".

Who Was the Tallest Rikishi in Japanese History?

On Jason’s All-Sumo YouTube channel, Jason wondered who might have been the tallest Japanese-native rikishi. My interest now piqued, down into the rabbit hole I dove.


July 14, 2022 0
Antagonist, Togashi Saemon.

Made in Japan: Kanjinchō (The Subscription List)

I found a terrific video of a live kabuki performance of Kanjinchō 勧進帳 (The Subscription List),  which is a favorite of yours truly. The play is listed among the 18 Famous Kabuki Plays (歌舞伎十八番) in the kabuki repertoire and still hugely popular to this day. The leading character is a fierce warrior named Benkei, regarded an exemplar…
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September 25, 2018 0

Japanese Design: Stone Tile Patterns

The stone tile pattern (石畳模様 ishidatami moyou) is named after the flat, square stones used to make paved roads or tile flooring.


January 1, 2016 0