In professional sumo, a brand-new dohyo (sumo ring) is built before every tournament. Surprisingly, it is not constructed by carpenters, but by wrestlers known as “Dohyō-kata”, who serve behind the scenes. Their work requires immense strength, precision, and sacred responsibility, making them the hidden foundation of Japan’s national sport.
Who Are the Dohyō-kata?
The dohyo is not only the stage where wrestlers clash with full force, but also a sacred place. It is the behind-the-scenes wrestlers known as “Dohyō-kata” who construct it from scratch. Dohyō-kata are usually wrestlers ranked in the lower divisions, such as Jonidan or Sandanme. While they continue their daily training in their stables, they also inherit the traditions of building the dohyo.
These wrestlers possess not only physical strength but also the advanced skills required to shape the dohyo perfectly. A single distortion in its shape can affect the safety of the bouts. Although they are rarely in the spotlight, they are the unsung heroes without whom professional tournaments could not be held.
Structure and Materials of the Dohyo
The dohyo is built to strict standards: 4.55 meters in diameter and about 60 centimeters high. Although it looks simple, it is carefully constructed to withstand the weight and collisions of wrestlers.
| Part | Material | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Tawara (straw bales) | Bundled straw | Marks the circular boundary of the dohyo |
| Soil | Clay-rich earth | Foundation that absorbs weight and impact |
| Sand | Fine sand | Purification and anti-slip function |
| White ropes | Hemp rope | Indicates the four corners |
Thus, the dohyo is not just a mound of dirt, but a stage of both strength and beauty.
Process of Building the Dohyo
Construction begins shortly before the tournament and takes several days to complete.
| Step | Content | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Flatten and harden the ground | Determines overall stability |
| Layering soil | Pile and tamp clay soil | Prevents collapse, most critical step |
| Placing tawara | Position straw bales evenly | Defines the shape of the dohyo |
| Surface finishing | Smooth the surface and sprinkle sand | Final touch, ensures safety |
Once complete, the dohyo is maintained throughout the tournament, with constant repairs to keep it in optimal condition.
Dohyo Ceremony and Sacred Meaning
Sumo is not just a sport; it carries the meaning of a sacred ritual. After the dohyo is built, a “Dohyo-matsuri” (Dohyo ceremony) is held. Offerings are buried in the center of the ring to sanctify it.
| Offering | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Salt | Purification and warding off evil |
| Rice | Prayer for good harvest |
| Kombu & dried squid | Gratitude for the sea’s bounty |
| Kachiguri (victory chestnuts) | Symbol of victory and prosperity |
The salt sprinkled by wrestlers before a bout also serves as a purification ritual, showing how deeply sumo is tied to Japan’s spiritual traditions.
Behind-the-Scenes Repairs
The dohyo is not finished once built. Every match wears it down. Collisions can break the soil or shift the straw bales, so Dohyō-kata constantly repair it during the tournament.
| Timing of Repair | Content |
|---|---|
| Immediately after a bout | Fix small damage |
| During intermissions | Major maintenance of the surface |
| After the final day | Tear down the dohyo, reuse soil |
Even as the crowd watches exciting matches, unseen effort behind the scenes keeps the stage safe.
A Day in the Life of a Dohyō-kata
The life of a Dohyō-kata revolves around maintaining the dohyo. Their daily routine looks like this:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Smooth the surface, adjust the sand |
| Practice hours | Repair the ring during training |
| During tournaments | Constant repairs between bouts |
| Evening | Clean-up and prepare for the next day |
While also training as wrestlers, they serve as caretakers of the dohyo. This dual role is demanding but is also a way to learn and pass on tradition.
Historical Evolution of the Dohyo
The dohyo as we know it today took shape in the Edo period, but earlier versions varied greatly.
| Era | Characteristics of the Dohyo |
|---|---|
| Nara–Heian period | Simply flattened earth |
| Sengoku period | Boundaries marked with stones or wood |
| Edo period | Standardized circular dohyo appears |
| Meiji onward | Size and height standardized |
By tracing its evolution, we can see how the dohyo has been refined as a cultural symbol over time.
Conclusion
The dohyo is built not by outside workers, but by Dohyō-kata, wrestlers who serve behind the scenes. They pile clay soil, set straw bales, sprinkle sand, and conduct rituals to complete the sacred stage of sumo.
While spectators focus on the bouts, the matches could not take place without the hidden effort of those who build and maintain the dohyo. Knowing the depth of dohyo construction allows beginners and foreign fans to appreciate sumo not only as a sport but also as a cultural and spiritual tradition.
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