Sumo: A Thinking Fan's Guide to Japan's National Sport

*"The most entertaining and irreverent guide to sumo." — James Fallows, The Atlantic

Sumo is a fresh and funny introduction to the fascinating world of sumo, Japan's national sport. Author David Benjamin peels away the veneer of sumo as a cultural treasure and reveals it as an action-packed sport populated by superb athletes who employ numerous strategies and techniques to overcome their gargantuan opponents. Sumo provides an engaging, witty, behind-the-scenes look at sumo today.

A complete guide to sumo for both curious novices and long-time fans, you'll learn about:

• The greatest sumo match ever
• The many strategies employed by wrestlers, such as "the Hooker," "the Bulldozer" and "the Matador"
• Sumo's most stunning move
• Why rikishi sometimes throw a match
• The backroom politics that influence who is promoted to the highest ranks

• The "foreign invasion" of sumo and what it means for the sport's future

  About This New Edition
  This book is a thoroughly updated revision of the popular The Joy of Sumo. Benjamin's enthusiasm and insight into the sport remain unmatched, and his humorous descriptions of the personalities and pageantry of the sport will have you laughing loud and often.