Chikara-mizu is a ritual in professional sumo where a wrestler rinses his mouth to purify himself before a bout. Rooted in Shinto purification beliefs, it symbolizes the sacredness of the dohyo and the importance of etiquette. Knowing this practice enhances the viewing experience and deepens appreciation for sumo.
What is Chikara-mizu?
In the world of professional sumo, there are many rituals passed down through history. Among them, Chikara-mizu (literally “power water”) is an essential purifying act performed before entering the ring. Just before a bout, a wrestler receives water from another wrestler waiting in the wings. The wrestler takes the water into his mouth, rinses it, and spits it out. This is not simply for quenching thirst—it is a symbolic act of purifying the body and mind before stepping into the sacred dohyo (sumo ring). The practice is rooted in the Japanese Shinto belief that water can cleanse impurity, and it reflects the religious and spiritual background of sumo. For foreign spectators, it’s a striking scene that leaves a memorable impression, even though it’s not part of the actual match.
Origins and Meaning of Chikara-mizu
The origins of Chikara-mizu go back to the Shinto concept of misogi (ritual purification). In ancient Japan, water was believed to have the power to cleanse impurities. Since sumo is deeply connected to Shinto rituals, the dohyo is regarded as a sacred space. Before stepping onto it, wrestlers rinse their mouths to purify their spirit, cleanse their words, and ward off evil. Even after sumo became popular entertainment for the masses during the Edo period, this ritual never disappeared. Water also symbolizes the wrestler’s physical and mental strength, and it helps sharpen concentration before the bout. The act of receiving Chikara-mizu and the timing are strictly defined, making the ritual itself a form of etiquette.
Flow and Roles in the Chikara-mizu Ritual
In an actual bout, the flow of Chikara-mizu follows a specific order. The kawaitari rikishi (the waiting wrestler) offers the water to the wrestler scheduled for the next bout. Using a ladle, the water is handed over; the wrestler takes it into his mouth and spits it into a vessel placed below the dohyo. The water is never swallowed. This gesture also serves as encouragement, carrying the message, “You’re up next, do your best.”
| Role | Person Responsible | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Offering Chikara-mizu | Waiting wrestler | Uses ladle to offer water |
| Receiving Chikara-mizu | Wrestler about to compete | Rinses mouth and spits water out |
| Chikara-mizu catcher | Ringside staff | Manages the vessel for discarded water |
Chikara-mizu from a Foreign Spectator’s Perspective
For foreign visitors, the Chikara-mizu ritual is one of the highlights outside the matches themselves. The act of rinsing one’s mouth before competition is rare in other sports and strongly conveys a sense of religious and cultural meaning. Without explanation, it may seem like a simple pre-match routine, but knowing its background adds depth to the viewing experience. Recently, English and Chinese explanations have been provided on signs and announcements, making it easier for foreign spectators to understand. In guided tours, understanding this ritual often becomes essential before watching the dohyo-iri (ring entering ceremony) or the matches.
| What Foreigners Notice | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Uniqueness | Ritual unseen in other sports |
| Sacredness | Sense of Japanese cultural spirituality |
| Photogenic Moment | Graceful gesture that’s visually appealing |
Tools and Their Management in Chikara-mizu
The tools used in Chikara-mizu are few, but each has significance. The ladle is often made of wood or metal, with a long handle to avoid direct contact between wrestlers’ hands and mouths. The Chikara-mizu receptacle is made of ceramic or metal and kept clean at all times. Fresh water is used for each ritual, ensuring hygiene. In recent years, paper cups have sometimes been used as part of infection control measures.
| Tool | Material | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Ladle | Wood or metal | Long handle for hygiene |
| Chikara-mizu receptacle | Ceramic or metal | Safely catches discarded water |
| Water container | Stainless steel, etc. | Ensures constant supply of fresh water |
Etiquette and Key Points in Chikara-mizu
There are several etiquette rules when receiving Chikara-mizu. First, take the ladle from the offering wrestler with the right hand on the handle and the left hand supporting it. The water is taken into the mouth but must be spat out into the receptacle, never swallowed. This shows respect for both hygiene and tradition. Chikara-mizu is passed regardless of the previous match’s outcome, meaning a wrestler who just lost may still offer it to the next competitor. This exchange symbolizes solidarity in the sumo world beyond win or loss.
| Etiquette | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Hold ladle with right hand, support with left | Courtesy and stability |
| Always spit out water | Purification and hygiene |
| Offer regardless of win or loss | Solidarity and ritual respect |
Modern Changes in Chikara-mizu
In recent years, hygiene measures and international audience considerations have brought changes to Chikara-mizu. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, paper cups have been used instead of shared ladles in some cases, and alcohol disinfectants are sometimes available ringside. These adjustments are made without compromising the ritual’s meaning, balancing tradition with modern safety. The background and procedures of Chikara-mizu are now more widely understood through guided commentary and online streaming.
| Era | Change in Chikara-mizu |
|---|---|
| Edo period | Strong religious significance, formal emphasis |
| Showa period | Coexistence with entertainment aspects |
| Modern day | Hygiene measures and international adaptation |
Conclusion
Chikara-mizu is a sacred ritual for purifying body and mind before a sumo bout. It is not merely a way to moisten the mouth but a practice rooted in Shinto purification that symbolizes the spirit and etiquette of sumo. The ritual involves a waiting wrestler offering water with a ladle, the competing wrestler rinsing his mouth, spitting out the water, and wiping his lips. This sequence contains the wrestler’s mental readiness and respect for both opponent and spectators.
Modern adjustments—such as paper cups and disinfection—have emerged, but the essence of the ritual remains unchanged. Passing Chikara-mizu regardless of the outcome is a symbolic moment that shows solidarity and mutual respect in the sumo world. Observing this brief act during a match can deepen appreciation for sumo’s rich traditions.
Though it is not the main spectacle, Chikara-mizu is a quiet yet vital pillar supporting the dignity and spirit of professional sumo. For first-time viewers and foreign spectators, understanding this ritual transforms sumo from a sport into a cultural experience deeply rooted in Japanese tradition.
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