Tag: history

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

Behind the Story of Blood and Tears — The End of Shogun Tokugawa’s Rule

This animation symbolizes the government changeover that followed the Boshin War. The first crest (3 leaves) belongs to Shogun Tokugawa, the subsequent crest (chrysanthemum) belongs to Crown Prince Mutsuhito who would later become Emperor Meiji.


October 2, 2018 0

Behind the Story of Blood and Tears — Tayuu and Uguisu Facial Cream

In Blood and Tears episode 4 (18JUN18),  Usaburo, O-Hatsu and O-Bun meet a tayuu who is part of a traveling theatre group that offers a variety show of sorts, which might include kabuki theatre, acrobatics, swordplay, dancing, singing, comedy, storytelling, etc.


September 25, 2018 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

Behind the Story of Blood and Tears — The 47 Ronin

In episode 6 of Blood and Tears, Usaburo received the gift of a small hand towel decorated with a print of contemporary actor Ichikawa Yaozo III. The print depicts him as the lead character from the traditional kabuki play, Treasury of Loyal Retainers (忠臣蔵 Chûshingura).


September 11, 2018 0

Behind the Story of Blood and Tears — Usaburo’s Family Crest

In Blood and Tears episode 7 (09JUL), Usaburo gives O-Hatsu a small lacquered storage box, called inro, bearing his family crest. 


September 3, 2018 0