Episode - Reasons for Continuing -
Paper sumo wrestling using milk cartons started in 2009. When we first started, we received a lot of harsh comments like, "Who would watch paper sumo wrestling?" and "Will anyone even come to something like that?" There were many times when I felt discouraged and wanted to quit, but each time there were people who encouraged me to keep going. Here are a few stories.
I decided against committing suicide.
Thanks to his connection with the "Paper Sumo Wrestling using Milk Cartons - Kasukabe Tournament," Daisuke Yamada has been the MC for "Jazz Day Kasukabe" in Kasukabe City, Saitama Prefecture since 2013. During a break in a performance one year, a woman approached him and said one word...
"I'm a big fan of paper sumo!"
Upon speaking with her, I learned that she had been suffering from an unexplained illness for some time and that there were many days when she was unable to go out. Coincidentally, she was feeling well that day and had bravely walked all the way to the venue.
"Every day was so painful that I was thinking of committing suicide. What kept me going was online streaming. By chance, I found out about the paper sumo wrestling broadcast."
"I happened to hear Daisuke singing a 'retirement song,' and it made me think, 'There are people doing silly things like this, so maybe I should try living a little longer,' haha."
Paper sumo wrestling using milk cartons isn't just fun to enter; it's also fun to watch. I realized that there's a demand for the (silly) segments outside of the paper sumo matches themselves.
This experience made me realize that if paper sumo can save someone's life, I should keep trying my best to continue.
The Power of Letters
The letters we received from all over the country have repeatedly been a great help in keeping paper sumo wrestling using milk cartons alive.
"My family and I look forward to watching YouTube every week!"
One family member submitted a sumo wrestler, each creating one for their family. The wrestler created by their child was promoted to Yokozuna (grand champion)! They also sent an email when the wrestler retired, informing us that he had become a high school baseball player. It was wonderful to see paper sumo growing up with him.
"My child rushes home from elementary school and becomes engrossed in watching paper sumo wrestling on TV. They even make a sumo ring and imitate the commentator."
*Photo on the left
There was a parent and child who sent a letter along with their paper sumo wrestler entry. Later, I learned that the child had no friends at school and was not exactly enjoying their days, but they found joy in the paper sumo broadcasts. Their wrestler won the top division championship, and the parent and child watched the broadcast that day, shedding tears of emotion. Tears of joy from a paper sumo broadcast. It was something we never could have imagined when we first started.
"The person who entered was my son, a middle school student attending a special needs school. Thank you for your comments and engagement."
In some cases, a letter from the applicant's mother was included with the application form. We were actually grateful for this, as her comments always enlivened the comment section with her unique and expressive writing.
He also showed interest in commentary, and afterwards he was very active, even serving as a guest commentator at the exchange event. Paper sumo using milk cartons can also be a place to showcase individuality, and it was a valuable lesson for us as well.
Paper sumo tournament based on live commentary
I'm doing it.
The addition of live commentary to traditional paper sumo is what makes paper sumo using milk cartons so entertaining. We've had people take advantage of this commentary.
Then, one day, I received a request email.
"We're holding a paper sumo tournament to celebrate the 10th anniversary of a welfare facility in Shizuoka Prefecture, and we'd like you to do the commentary."
Of course, I agreed, and when I visited the welfare facility, I was constantly surprised.
"It's the real commentator! I always watch the paper sumo broadcasts!"
The first half of the paper sumo tournament was commentated by the facility staff, and in the second half, Daisuke Yamada was scheduled to be a guest commentator. While watching the staff's commentary during rehearsals, I noticed something that made me think, "Huh?"
"They've collided! Mount XX is pushing!"
The wording and even the slight pauses were exactly like my commentary. And there was a notebook beside the staff member.
"I keep a notebook where I take notes on everything Yamada says during his commentary."
"We regularly hold paper sumo tournaments at the facility, and ever since we started incorporating Mr. Yamada's commentary style, it's become a huge hit."
I was so happy I could cry.
I was so happy to see everyone enjoying the paper sumo tournament and listening intently to the commentary.
The idea of adding commentary to paper sumo wrestling came about at the very beginning, stemming from our desire to "create a paper sumo wrestling experience that only we can offer." It was a joyous occasion to see that this idea being recognized.