Mizuwakasu Shrine is the Ichinomiya, or highest-ranking shrine, of the Oki Islands. It is revered as one of the most prestigious shrines on the islands. Notice the similarity in the names of Mizuwakasu Shrine and Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine, the sōja or main general shrine of the area. They both contain “su” in their names, written with the same character; it was once said that they are brother deities. Now it is thought that the original deity of the region was Mizuwakasu-mikoto, who lived here and governed the island, and that Tamawakasu-mikoto came later and they divided the land.

Oki Traditional Sumo

As you continue along the path to the shrine, you will see a sumo ring to your left. Above the ring is a large wooden pillar. These pillars are a symbol of honor given to winners of an Oki Traditional Sumo tournament. Oki Traditional Sumo is a unique tradition of the Oki Islands, and is held as a dedication to commemorate very special occasions, such as when the roof of Mizuwakasu Shrine is replaced every twenty years. Because the prizes for the tournament are the pillars of the sumo ring, it is sometimes called “pillar sumo.” Another alternate name is “compassionate sumo”; this nickname comes from the tradition of balancing wins and losses. Each pair of wrestlers fights two bouts together. The winner of the first bout must give up the win to his opponent in the second bout, ensuring that each participant ends the tournament with one win and one loss.

Compassionate Sumo: One Win, One Loss

Why must the wrestlers end with one win and one loss each? In Oki Traditional Sumo, the three highest ranks (called ozeki, sekiwake, and komusubi) are assigned not to individuals but to regions. After the ranks are assigned, each region then chooses a representative to participate in the tournament. The individual representatives are chosen based on things like their contributions to the region, etc. Starting one month before the tournament, each region practices together every night to prepare their representative. In this way, Oki Traditional Sumo is performed not as individuals but as regions, with the deities residing in the pillars as the prizes. Because of this tradition, having winners and losers would cause fighting and grudges between regions. To prevent such conflict, the people of the Oki Islands developed this unique system of ensuring one win and one loss each, so that they could continue living in harmony together on this small island.