In this special episode of Wake Up with Miya, we honor Akebono—Hawaii’s first Yokozuna—and explore the sacred traditions of sumo wrestling. More than just a sport, sumo is a living Shinto ritual, where every movement reflects centuries-old spiritual beliefs.

We uncover:
• The purification rituals of salt-throwing, shide, and the dohyo
• Sumo’s deep spiritual roots in Shintoism
• How Akebono became a cultural bridge between Hawaii and Japan
• Why sumo remains a sacred symbol of power, discipline, and balance

This is more than wrestling—it’s a sacred dance.
🎧 Featuring audio from NHK and National Geographic.

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Website Reference:Sumo Culture - Mai-ko https://mai-ko.com/travel/culture-in-japan/sumo/sumo-2/YouTube Video:Sumo Rituals on

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ofAjMB8vMQ

Salt Throwing NHK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvc0oAg4TXg

Bow Twirling NHK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2L5nrgXh_k

Sumo Wrestling 101 National Geographic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj_QyxPZE8M

Funeral for first foreign-born sumo yokozuna Akebono Nippon TV News https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVyXp2aFSPkReferences :

"Sumo: A Pocket Guide" by David Shapiro

and Junko TairaThis book provides an overview of the traditions and rituals in sumo, including the use of sagari (fringes hanging from the mawashi belt) and the role of odd numbers like 17 to 21 in maintaining spiritual purity and luck."

Shinto: The Kami Way" by Sokyo Ono

This is a highly regarded text on Shinto practices. It provides context for the role of shide (zigzag paper strips) as symbols of purification and protection in Shinto shrines and rituals.The Japan Sumo Association Website

The official website of the Japan Sumo Association offers detailed insights into sumo traditions and rituals, including the significance of sagari and salt-throwing in purification practices.Website: Japan Sumo Association

https://www.sumo.or.jp/En/"The Essence of Shinto: Japan’s Spiritual Heart" by Motohisa Yamakage"

Japanese Culture: The Religious and Philosophical Foundations" by Roger J. Davies

"Sumo Wrestling: The History and Ritual of Japan's National Sport" by Lora SharnoffWebsite Reference:Sumo Culture - Mai-ko https://mai-ko.com/travel/culture-in-japan/sumo/sumo-2/

YouTube Video:Sumo Rituals on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ofAjMB8vMQ

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Hashtags:#SumoWrestling #sumo #shinto #Akebono