Lifestyles and Traditions - Culture
Oki Traditional Sumo was traditionally held once every 20 years during sengū (the installation of the deity in a new shrine) of Mizuwakasu-mikoto Shrine when the shrine is re-roofed. Nowadays, in order to pass on the tradition, it is also held when public works are completed. This unique tradition of Oki has several characteristics, such as: ōzeki being the highest rank of the wrestlers, wrestlers of the higher ranks are presented with the pillars of the sumo ring, spectators also participate in the salt tossing, and a three-tiered sumo ring is used at the tournament.
Another characteristic worthy of a special mention, is that the sumo wrestlers will wrestle their opponents twice, and the winner of the first bout would let his opponent win in the second bout; all wrestlers would go home with one win and one loss. The three top division roles of ōzeki, sekiwake and komusubi are not assigned to individuals, but to areas; so when it comes to the championships, there will be a grudge between the areas. This custom was created for local areas to support each other, which is why it is also called ninjō sumo, sumo of empathy.
