Bright Lights, Big City

Clashing of the Giants

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March 25th 2006
When the word "Japan" is spoken, certain mental images dance in one's head...geisha, chopsticks, perhaps a mugful of steaming green tea, and without doubt, a sumo wrestler! Sumo is Japan's national sport, and 6 major tournaments are held per year in the larger Japanese cities. There is an annual tournament held in Osaka every March, and I was lucky enough to attend. One of my guide book's li ... read more

Asia » Japan » Osaka

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In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more