Some culture now.. Sumo Jinku

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Moti Dichne

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Jun 11, 2026, 2:53:31 AM (4 days ago) Jun 11

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On the 11th, a sumo jinku class was held at the sumo training school for new recruits for the first time in nine years. The instructor was Kasugayama Oyakata (former Sekiwake Ikioi), who also performed a commemorative jinku song at the 100th anniversary ceremony of the foundation's establishment last December. After explaining about sumo jinku , the Oyakata instructed the students on the basics of jinku "Makurauta" (serves as a preface or ending to the main song) and "Tochi Kogyo." He gave an enthusiastic lesson, even singing as an example himself. At first, the students seemed hesitant, but as they continued to sing, they began to sing louder. After the lesson, Oyakata Kasugayama reflected, "Of course, I think none of them knew about Jinku. First of all, I wanted to create an opportunity for them to learn more, and if they become interested, they can listen to and study it on their own. I just wanted to convey that something like this exists. There were rikishi singing even after the lesson was over, and I felt that it was all worthwhile, which made me happy." Sumo Jinku is a type of folk song composed of four verses in the 7-7-7-5 syllable pattern, and it originated when rikishi sang Jinku, which was popular from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji era, as entertainment. Currently, it is sung on the dohyo during regional jungyos and danpatsushikis. "It has a history of about 200 years, as far as we know, so this traditional culture is important, and we have to preserve it and pass it on. I think that's our role," he said. The lessons are scheduled to be held twice a month in even-numbered months going forward.