PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

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WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Yes, there is a new site on the web, and it's about sumo! If you are curious about the history of the sport, and the various myths and legends surrounding it, then this is the site for you.

It covers the historical and cultural significance Sumo wrestling has in Japanese culture. Although it is now considered Japan's national sport, influences are thought to have come from mainland China and Korea where very similar styles of wrestling were practiced. This site traces these influences, as well as covering the legends surrounding it's place in Japanese history.

The site covers the progress of sumo right through to the 19th century, as it went through dramatic changes to become what it is today. It has been, throughout the ages, entertainment for all classes and stratas of society. Beginning as entertainment for the gods, playing quite and imprtant role in Shinto rituals, and going through stages of being Imperial entertainment, a form of military training and a form of entertainment for the massses on street corners, it has had a colourful and varied past.

WHY VISIT?

This site fills a gap in information currently available on the internet at the moment. There is information available concerning sumo wrestling, but very little on sumo in an historical context. This site logically and simply presents the facts in an attractive and easy to use format, in a way which will appeal to people of all ages.

It contains extensive use of related images in order to provide a pictorial outline of the development of art in Japan throughout history. Extensivelly shown are the famousUkiyo-e woodblock prints, which were an integral part of the last 300 years or so, in providing pictorial information on lifestyles and popular culture of the time.

In visiting this site you will be able to gain valuable insight into the culture and traditions of Japan's past, and in doing so, perhaps come to gain a little more understanding of Japan today.

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