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Feb 16 2005 2 Comments

Sporting spontaneity

Going to a sporting event in Japan can sometimes be a little disappointing. As despite a wealth of talent on display, and healthy crowds to support them, there can be a certain lack of atmosphere. Although that’s not to say that the fans necessarily lack passion, as if the enthusiasm wasn’t there, why would people go to the trouble of buying a ticket and traveling to a game/event in the first place?

But despite this genuine interest, what’s often missing is supporter spontaneity. There are chants and songs, plus a multitude of hand gestures, yet they are strangely regimented. Even the deranged and nonsense spouting fans that are common in most stadiums around the world are inexplicably absent.

But now and again somebody arrives on the scene with the power to change all this. Sumo star Takamisakari may not be the best wrestler in the world, but his pre-bout chest beating and comical demeanor produce a degree of unrestraint rarely seen on these shores.

The joy and excitement he manages to generate is clear in this photograph taken by my friend-with-a-very-nice-camera Mr. Brett Cannon.

takamisakari

And if you look in the bottom left hand corner, there’s even a deranged and nonsense spouting fan. Salary man Suzuki miraculously transformed into a hollering and happy idiot. Exactly what live sport is all about.

Categorized: Photography, Sports

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brett says

    2/16/2005 at 7:39 pm

    “Why would people go to the trouble of buying a ticket and traveling to a game/event in the first place?”

    I heard that they sometimes don’t. In fact I heard a story of two guys who recently sat in someone else’s seat at the front of the sumo and the ticket holders never even bothered to show up, so they stayed there the whole day.

    Amazing stuff.

    Reply
  2. Corinna says

    2/25/2005 at 7:06 am

    Looks like a majority of women in the audience, which might explain the restraint. Am I right?

    Reply

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