Echoes Unveiled: Raw and Uncut Series Finale
Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast
Join us for the riveting series finale of “Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast,” where hosts Nathan from Honu Sumo and Jake from Grand Sumo Breakdown bare all in a raw and uncut discussion. This episode isn’t just a wrap-up; it’s a passionate reflection on the journey we’ve embarked upon, exploring the rich and often untold history of Sumo in America. From captivating narratives about pre-war Sumo to heartfelt acknowledgments of the complex challenges we faced, this episode delves deep into what we’ve learned and the profound connections we’ve forged with history and our listeners. As...
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Kibei: Nisei in Grand Sumo
Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast
In this powerful episode, we trace the incredible journeys of Kibei, Japanese Americans who crossed the Pacific to pursue lives, and sumo careers, in Japan. We cover a wide span of history, from before WWI through WWII and beyond, uncovering the challenges these Nisei faced both inside and outside the sumo world. But this story isn’t just history, it hits close to home. One of our hosts shares a deeply personal connection that brings this story full circle... and yes, JJ cried again. This one is heavy, but necessary. Join us as we explore how sumo, identity, and history collide across...
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The Densho Deep Dive w/ Brain Niiya
Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast
Join us in this enlightening companion episode of “Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast” as we explore the crucial role of Densho in our research. We’re thrilled to feature Brian Niiya, the content director of Densho, who provides invaluable insights into lesser-known aspects of Japanese-American history. Together with our host Nathan and producer Jj Jones, we navigate through newly discovered information and unravel the layers of history previously unknown. This episode underscores the importance of understanding our past, and we encourage our listeners to support Densho’s mission by...
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Sumo Taikan: Issei Sumo Elders and WWII
Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast
This episode takes us on a wild ride as Nathan finally reveals the information he’s been keeping from Jj and Jake. While digging through archival records, he uncovered some absolute gold… and some frustrating dead ends. Follow along as we trace the breadcrumbs, unravel forgotten stories, and piece together the impact of Issei sumo elders during WWII. Plus, understanding names and records can be tricky—especially with katakana. It’s not just a challenge for non-Japanese speakers but even for native speakers since katakana is used for loanwords without a universal pronunciation. To learn...
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Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast – Ep. #4 Icons of Pre-War Sumo: Hiroshi “Bud” Mukaye Part 2
Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast
Bud Mukaye was a powerhouse of pre-war sumo, dominating California’s sumo scene and shaping the sport for generations. From his early days as a multi-sport athlete to leading Nanka Sumo and taking on top competitors, his influence was undeniable. But his story didn’t end on the dohyo—incarcerated during WWII, he later served in the Military Intelligence Service, witnessing some of the war’s most brutal battles. This episode dives into his legacy, his impact on sumo, and the challenges he faced during and after the war. As we uncover his story, we also reflect on how history is...
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Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast – Ep. #4 Icons of Pre-War Sumo: Hiroshi “Bud” Mukaye Part 2
Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast
Bud Mukaye was a powerhouse of pre-war sumo, dominating California’s sumo scene and shaping the sport for generations. From his early days as a multi-sport athlete to leading Nanka Sumo and taking on top competitors, his influence was undeniable. But his story didn’t end on the dohyo—incarcerated during WWII, he later served in the Military Intelligence Service, witnessing some of the war’s most brutal battles. This episode dives into his legacy, his impact on sumo, and the challenges he faced during and after the war. As we uncover his story, we also reflect on how history is...
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A Sumo History Podcast – Ep. #4 Icons of Pre-War Sumo: Hiroshi “Bud” Mukaye
Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast
Bud Mukaye was a powerhouse of pre-war sumo, dominating California’s sumo scene and shaping the sport for generations. From his early days as a multi-sport athlete to leading Nanka Sumo and taking on top competitors, his influence was undeniable. But his story didn’t end on the dohyo—incarcerated during WWII, he later served in the Military Intelligence Service, witnessing some of the war’s most brutal battles. This episode dives into his legacy, his impact on sumo, and the challenges he faced during and after the war. As we uncover his story, we also reflect on how history is...
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Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast #3 – Intai: Kids These Days
Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast
In this episode of Echoes, we explore the generational shift in pre-war Japanese American sumo, as the Issei (first-generation immigrants) began stepping back and the Nisei (second-generation) took center stage. Through newspaper records, oral histories, and rare archival photos, we uncover the tensions, aspirations, and transformations that defined this era. From early skepticism about the Nisei’s abilities to their eventual dominance in the sport, we trace how sumo evolved in California and what it meant for the Japanese American community at large. We also highlight the work of the...
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Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast Ep. #2 Degeiko: Criss-Crossing the Pacific
Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast
In this episode of Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast, we explore degeiko—the practice of traveling for training—and how sumo crisscrossed the Pacific in the early 20th century. From Yokozuna embassies to world expos, we trace the journeys of legendary rikishi like Hitachiyama and Tochigiyama, who brought sumo to the United States, leaving a lasting impact on Japanese American communities. We also dive into the formation of the Dai Nihon Sumo Kyokai, sumo labor activism, and the East vs. West tensions that shaped the sport’s evolution. Was Futabayama really the “savior of sumo,” or was...
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Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast – Ep. #1 The Origins of Sumo in America
Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast
In this episode of Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast, we explore the early days of sumo in America, tracing its roots from the 1910s to the early 1930s. Nathan, Jake, and JJ discuss how sumo took hold in Japanese American communities, the influence of historical events like the Gentlemen’s Agreement and the Alien Land Laws, and the formation of the first sumo associations. With insights from expert resources and archival materials, we uncover how sumo became a pillar of cultural identity for early Japanese immigrants. We also encourage you to support United We Dream (unitedwedream.org), a...
info_outlineIn this powerful episode, we trace the incredible journeys of Kibei, Japanese Americans who crossed the Pacific to pursue lives, and sumo careers, in Japan. We cover a wide span of history, from before WWI through WWII and beyond, uncovering the challenges these Nisei faced both inside and outside the sumo world. But this story isn’t just history, it hits close to home. One of our hosts shares a deeply personal connection that brings this story full circle... and yes, JJ cried again. This one is heavy, but necessary. Join us as we explore how sumo, identity, and history collide across generations.