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 considering a donation at Densho.org https://densho.org/?form=donate Tune in to deepen your understanding of a pivotal era in Sumo history

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 more about why this happens, check out this video on katakana: 📺 Katakana Explained 🎧 Listen now on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts! #EchoesPodcast #SumoHistory #WWII

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 remembered—and what is too often forgotten. Non-Profit Highlight: National Japanese American Veterans Council Content Warning: Graphic war discussions, including flamethrowers, napalm, civilian casualties, and POW treatment.