Anthropology of the Exclusion of Women: Sumo, Impurity, and Gender

2021/12/14

In April 2018, during a regional sumo tour in Maizuru, the mayor suddenly collapsed while giving a greeting on the ring (dohyo). Female medical professionals entered the ring to provide life-saving treatment. An announcement from sumo officials stated, "Women, please step down from the ring." Despite it being a life-threatening situation, the "exclusion of women" (nyoin kinzei) sparked intense criticism. This incident triggered a heated debate not only about the exclusion of women from the sumo ring but also in mountain sanctuaries, festivals, sake brewing, and tunnel construction. The author, who has written on the subject, was flooded with interview requests from newspapers, weekly magazines, television, and radio. Based on that experience, this book reconsiders the exclusion of women from the perspective of cultural anthropology, incorporating gender discourse and presenting future challenges.

In Chapter 1, "Sumo and the Exclusion of Women," I examine what tradition is and reveal that many current sumo traditions are "invented traditions" established after the opening of the first Kokugikan in 1909 (Meiji 42). The discourse of sumo as a national sport is also a modern creation. I point out that the "exclusion of women from the ring" became manifest in award ceremonies introduced in the modern era and suggest directions for future improvement.

In Chapter 2, "Impurity and the Exclusion of Women," I trace the formation and evolution of the exclusion of women and female boundaries (nyoin kekkai), examine the concept of female impurity—often cited as the reason for the prohibition—and discuss taboos at sacred sites and the transformation of views on women. I conduct a critical review of movements following the lifting of female boundaries in the modern era and the expansion of the concept of the exclusion of women by the modern media. Finally, I develop a general theory of impurity through a comparative study of concepts of impurity in Sri Lanka, India, and Japan.

In Chapter 3, "Mountain Worship and Gender," I categorize discourse on the exclusion of women into history, customs, social movements, and discrimination, discussing them in relation to gender. I examine the transitions focusing on Dorogawa at the foot of Mt. Sanjogatake on Mt. Omine, where the exclusion of women continues today, and discuss the relationship with religious groups (ko) and Shugendo, as well as the impact of National Parks and World Heritage status, considering future challenges.

Regarding the exclusion of women, opponents begin their arguments from the standpoint of "discrimination," while proponents cling to "tradition," leading to a lack of common ground. This book is a practical attempt to move beyond the binary choice between discrimination and tradition, suggesting that diverse options exist and encouraging open dialogue and debate.

Anthropology of the Exclusion of Women: Sumo, Impurity, and Gender

Masataka Suzuki

Hozokan

388 pages, 2,750 yen (tax included)

*Affiliations and titles are as of the time of publication.