A sumo fight in Tokyo

It is quite difficult for Westerners to understand that sumo fighting is actually less a sport then a religious ritual. Thus, even if people come to see their champion fight and win, most of the "fight" is covered by religious gestures. You'll see in this video, the actual fight is not even 30 seconds :)

The winner of a sumo fight is the one who pushes the other out of the circle.
All referees are actually priests. They call the contestants by singing their names.

The clapping, stomping and throwing salt before the fight is meant to scare evil spirits
The crouching is accompanied by watching each other in the eyes, one trying to sumit the other

The flags going around at some point bear the names of sponsors for this fight. There are many of them in this case, because the two wrestlers are big champions.

Recorded in Tokyo, May 2012

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Видео A sumo fight in Tokyo канала Marie Aude