Lesson 31 Sumo
No. 1: Introduction – First, try answering the question yourself.
The instructor will provide advice on vocabulary, grammar, and expression corrections.
Sample Answer－ Let’s read aloud. Instructor will check your pronunciation and accent.
Sumo wrestling is a traditional Japanese sport with a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. Its origins can be traced to the Shinto religion, where it was performed as a ritual to entertain the Shinto gods (kami) with the hope of ensuring a bountiful harvest. Early sumo matches were more about performing these rituals than the competition itself. Over time, sumo evolved into a professional sport during the Edo Period (1603-1868), with formal rules and a ring, or dohyo, being established. The sport has retained many of its ritualistic elements, including the purification of the ring with salt before matches, which reflects its spiritual roots. Today, sumo wrestling is not only a competitive sport but also a living testament to Japanese culture and tradition.
No. 2: Vocabulary Building – 5 Words to Learn and Their Meanings
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly
- Ritual (儀式, gishiki): A religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order.
“Sumo wrestling originated as a ritual within the Shinto religion to pray for a good harvest.”
- Harvest (収穫, shūkaku): The process or period of gathering in crops.
“The sumo ritual was performed as a form of prayer for a bountiful harvest, crucial for the agricultural society of ancient Japan.”
- Evolve (進化する, shinka suru): Develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form.
“Over centuries, sumo wrestling evolved from a religious ceremony to a professional sport with established rules.”
- Purification (浄化, jōka): The act of making something spiritually or ceremonially clean.
“The purification of the sumo ring with salt before matches is a tradition that honors the sport’s spiritual origins.”
- Testament (証, akashi): Something that serves as a sign or evidence of a fact or event.
“Sumo wrestling is a living testament to Japan’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.”
No. 3: Key Idiom and Example Sentences
“Stand the test of time” (時の試練に耐える): To remain useful or valued over a long period of time; to last a long time.
“Sumo wrestling has stood the test of time, maintaining its cultural significance and popularity in Japan for over a millennium.”
“The rituals and traditions of sumo, having stood the test of time, continue to fascinate not only the Japanese but people around the world.”
No. 4: Discussion and Exchange of Opinions on the Sample Answer
Instructor: Reflecting on the sample answer, how does the historical background of sumo wrestling contribute to its current practices and cultural significance?
Student: [Opinions of students]
No. 5: Free Discussion on the Topic
Let’s delve deeper into the cultural and historical aspects of sumo wrestling. Discuss how sumo has adapted to modern times while preserving its traditional values. What are the challenges faced by the sumo industry today, and how are they being addressed? Additionally, consider sumo’s role in international sports and cultural exchange. How is sumo perceived outside Japan, and what can be done to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of this sport globally? Finally, explore the potential future of sumo wrestling as both a sport and a cultural heritage.
