Sumo (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Sumo at its finest is a primal struggle-but with no forces of evil to overcome..." (more)
Key Phrases: main basho

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Kubota, a veteran photographer of the sumo world, presents an album of the sport that is both gorgeously sensual and frustratingly mute on much of what it depicts. After a brief and breathless introductionAsumo is described as "a primal struggle" and "the ultimate in unarmed combat"Awe are treated to a gallery of lavish full-bleed photos. Both black-and-white and color, they feature sumo wrestlers as moving sculpture, their monumental bodies slick with sweat or gritty with the dust of the ring. Shoulders and haunches loom from the shadows, and the camera lingers on details: a massive foot, a carefully tied silk mawashi, or belt. A few paragraphs at the end purport to explain sumo's rules and history, but much of the ritual detail and rigid protocol of the Japanese national sport is glossed over. Sumo aficionados will recognize top wrestlers like Akebono and Takanohana, but the book does not name them. A good choice for confirmed fans and photography enthusiasts, but a poor one for those interested in learning about sumo. Recommended for large photography and Japan collections.AJanice P. Nimura, New York
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Sumo wrestling is part religious ritual, part popular entertainment, and Japan's most unique contribution to the world of sport. Though sumo has long fascinated the West, its complex system of rituals and etiquette has made it difficult for outsiders to penetrate. Wrestlers undergo years of strenuous training-and some pretty serious eating-in order to compete in bouts that last minutes or sometimes seconds; the sweaty clash of huge bodies is but the final act in a prolonged contest of intimidation and concentration. In well over 100 rare and luminous photographs, Sumo offers an unrivaled close-up view of wrestlers in practice and in competition, complete with a brief history of the sport and an explanation of the various stages of a typical match. Photographers are seldom allowed such intimate access to the wrestlers, making this book a truly unprecedented document of the world of sumo. Japanophiles, sumo fans, and photography buffs alike will relish this rare glimpse of the inner circle where ritual, power, and bodies collide.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; 1st Edition. edition (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811825485
• ISBN-13: 978-0811825481
• Product Dimensions: 13.5 x 10.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #483,807 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Impressive, but disappointing, October 27, 1999

By	Larry W. Paine (Carson City, Nevada) - See all my reviews

This book is impressive and very high quality. Although it is cataloged as a "paperback", it is the most impressive paperback I have ever seen. It is a large "coffee table" book. Everything about the book is quality, its feel, the cover, the thick coated paper, the ink, the photos, and the text.

There are brief descriptions at the beginning and end of SUMO that are well written and a good summary for the beginner about what Sumo is about. After reading these summaries, those interested in Sumo will want yet more information and details. The accompanying color pictures are excellent and whetted my appetite for the main photos on display in the body of the book.

The main body of SUMO contains many large, high quality close-up photos, some in color, most in black and white. These are artistic images of a hand grabbing salt, a wrinkled foot, a muscled shoulder blade, sweat dripping down a belly and faces grimacing. Picture after picture shows close up parts of Sumo wrestlers energetically pursuing their craft. I have no doubt that Makoto Kubota had unprecedented access to the wrestlers and their practice sessions. The book has lots of photos to prove it. Personally, I just don't care for the style and presentation of most of the pictures. Some may, but I don't and when I had completed my journey through the pages, I was disappointed.

In a couple of places, I was angry. For example near the beginning of the book, there is a 2 page spread color panoramic picture of a Sumo stadium, filled with spectators. The picture was taken from high up in the stadium darkness and looks down on the well lit Dohyo where the battles take place. It is a great picture and crystal clear. I'm sure Makoto worked hard to get the shot and he is very proud of it. The eyes of all the spectators are on the Dohyo. The center of attraction for the entire picture is the Dohyo and your eyes will be drawn to it too. The great tragedy is that in this book, the center of attraction falls between the pages, in the fold. How simple it would have been to offset this picture 4 inches to the right when printing the book. Someone wasn't thinking.

All and all, this is an impressive and interesting book and now part of my Sumo collection. This book is like an electric knife. It is not something I would buy for myself, but if I received it as a gift, I would keep it and show it off.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!, October 18, 1999

By	"surfpange" (Santa Monica, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This is a gorgeous book showing the reality and grit of Sumo. As Westerners, most of us find Sumo more theatrical or comical...it may be both but it is fascinating and exciting as well! This book is a terrific collection of photographs and includes a little info. about the sport as well. A must buy for the serious or even just curious fan!

1.0 out of 5 stars SUMO, May 29, 2009

By	Glenn Johnson (Hilo, Hawaii) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Sumo (Paperback)

Grainy, soft focus photos. Very impressionistic. Not very satisfying, not aesthetically pleasing either.