Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast Ep. #2 Degeiko: Criss-Crossing the Pacific

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 it just part of NSK myth-making? This episode highlights USA Sumo, a nonprofit dedicated to growing sumo in America. Support their work at ussumo.org. Join hosts Nathan (Honu Sumo) and Jake (Grand Sumo Breakdown) as they uncover the hidden stories of sumo’s trans-Pacific journey!