ThreeStrikesandOut

In a continuation of this International Issue of Threestrikesandout, we look at the problems facing sumo wrestling in Japan.

And it’s not a lack of doughnuts.

Apparently, the world of sumo wrestling is in a state of decline in Japan, with allegations of fight-fixing, and violent deaths linked to the mysterious culture of the sport.  In fact; according to some sumo experts, the only reason that anyone would consider being a Sumo would be because of abject poverty.  According to The Japan Times:

Some people, however, believe that real sign of sumo’s demise can be seen in the supposed disinterest among potential wrestlers. Poverty, specifically in northern and coastal prefectures, is often cited as the only reason that a Japanese teen would even consider sumo as a career.

While this may have been the case back in the immediate post-WWII era, in modern Japan, nothing could be further from the truth.

The article goes on to argue that poverty, in fact, does not drive people to become sumos.  No shit.  If you’re living in poverty, how in the hell can you afford that many Twinkies?  These guys eat more than Jenna Jameson at an all-you-can-eat cock and balls buffet.  I think they fed the guy above a whole family of poor people. 

The Japan Times