2009 March Grand Sumo Tournament, Osaka

The opening ceremony, known as the "dohyo iri" that is performed at the beginning of sumo wrestling events.

You'll find elements of Shinto, including the overhead hanging "temple" like structure called the yakata with four colored tassels, meant to replace the pillars that used to support the roof. (The roof was removed so that sumo could be seen on TV.) You'll also notice paper "lighting bolts" hanging from the sumo's belt (mawashi) that you can also find at many Shinto shrines, and are used for purification.

More info: http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/ozumo_joho_kyoku/shiru/kiso_chishiki/beginners_guid...

Taken in Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on Wednesday, March 18th, 2009.

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