Today was Sumo day. We went to the Ryogoku Stadium for day nine of the current tournament. We have learnt a lot about the sport and enjoyed watching all the traditions associated with it such as throwing salt before a round. We also learnt there are 52 stables in Japan where Sumo wrestlers train. The most junior trainees are unpaid, not allowed to marry and have to look after the other ranked wrestlers. As they improve and progress they earn these privileges, so Sumo is a way of life. The bouts were great to watch as there are many different techniques and it is quite something when one of these big guys crashes out of the ring. The small roof over the ring is based on a Shinto shrine. There are some very clear favourite wrestlers including Endo but although popular he does not seem to be doing very well. We finished the day with a Chanko meal similar to what the wrestlers would eat. Really enjoyed watching this sport as it is easy to understand.