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 generations.

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.

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 Japanese American Citizens League (JACL)—an organization dedicated to protecting civil rights and preserving Japanese American history. Learn more at jacl.org.

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!

Join us on “Echoes: A Sumo History Podcast” for our very first episode, where hosts Nathan and Jake Danger, together with producer JJ Jones, dive deep into the motivations behind this enlightening series. Episode Zero addresses the pivotal question: “Why are we doing this project?” Our discussion will unravel the importance of exploring pre-WWII Sumo history, highlighting how this sport shaped the lives of Japanese immigrants in America and the ramifications during the internment era. Special guests A.T. Furuya and Christina Jones contribute their insights, helping to contextualize our journey into the cultural heritage and profound struggles faced by the Japanese-American community. Tune in to understand why preserving and understanding this slice of history matters more than ever.