Takemikazuchi
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Takemikazuchi is a deity in Japanese mythology, considered a god of thunder and a sword god. He also competed in what is considered the first sumo wrestling match recorded in history.
Surimono of Takemikazuchi, from the series "Twenty-Four Generals for the Katsushika Circle" (Katsushika nijûshishô), by Yashima Gakutei
Earthquake-warding song (a namazu-e woodblock pamphlet, October 1855). The figure holding down the Namazu (mythical catfish) is believed to be Takemikazuchi.
Another Namazu-e depicting Takemikazuchi riding the catfish. Above is a depiction of the kaname-ishi, the rock used to subdue the fish
Amaterasu cave crop
Sumo
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Sumo is a form of competitive full-contact wrestling where a rikishi attempts to force his opponent out of a dohyō or into touching the ground with any body part other than the soles of his feet.
Takemikazuchi
…Takemikazuchi (建御雷/武甕槌) is a deity in Japanese mythology, considered a god of thunder and a sword god. He also competed in what is considered the first sumo wrestling match recorded in history. He is otherwise known as "The kami of Kashima" (Kashima-no-kami), the chief deity revered in the Kashima Shrine…
A sumo match (tori-kumi) between yokozuna Asashōryū (left) and komusubi Kotoshōgiku in January 2008
Haniwa sumo wrestler
Sumo match in Tokyo c. 1890s
Sumo wrestling scene c. 1851