Sumo at Jorakuji

Nobunaga often held sumo bouts at Azuchi's Jorakuji.  He held one early in 1570 and it was recorded in Ota Gyuichi's Shincho-Ko ki.

Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (p. 139)

"On the 3rd of the Third Month, Nobunaga summoned sumo wrestlers from throughout Omi Province and watched them compete in Jorakuji.  The participants were

Shika of the Hyakusaiji, Kojika of the Hyakusaiji, Taito, Seigon Nagamitsu, Miyai Ganzaemon, Taishin of the Kawaraji, Hashi Kozo, Fukao Matajiro, Namazue Mataichiro, and Aoji Yoemon.

In addition to these countless other wrestlers with good skills flocked to Jorakuji, all of them thinking to outdo the others.  The referee was Kinose Zoshun'an.
Nobunaga summoned before him two wrestlers who had won the most bouts, Namazue Mataichiro and Aoiji Yoemon, and gave each of them a sword and a dagger with gold-encrusted sheaths.  From this day onward they were admitted to Nobunaga's vassal band and were appointed sumo commissioners, the ultimate of honors for both men.  The skilful and attractive sumo put on display by Fukao Matajiro on this occasion caught Nobunaga's eye, so he gave Fukao a present of some clothes--a happy event for Fukao."


Nobunaga no tame!