Yesterday we went to watch sumo at the Kokugikan. It was great!! This is the nakairi entrance ceremony, signaling the beginning of the 15 or so matches between the top-most ranked sumo-sans. After the ring was completely surrounded by these men in skirts, they did several choreographed moves (clapping, raising and lowering their arms etc.) and then filed out. This was Aogu's first time to see sumo live, and maybe my third? I can't remember. But this time, we sprung for the seats that were a little more expensive than the nosebleed 2100 yen seats I had always bought in the past. Not only were these seats a bit closer to the action (though still in the balcony) they were much more comfortable. The nosebleed seats don't have any padding!
posted by jcm