Nomi no Sukune

Nomi no Sukune (野見 宿禰) was a legendary figure in Japanese history, regarded as the founder of sumo wrestling.[1] He was the founder of the Haji no Muraji clan.[2]

Nomi no Sukune by Kikuchi Yōsai

Life
Nomi no Sukune wrestling with Taima no Kehaya (by Yoshitoshi)

Sukune is said to have lived during the reign of Emperor Suinin (29 BC – 70).[3] Allegedly, in 23 B.C., the Emperor instructed Nomi no Sukune to deal with Taima no Kehaya (当麻蹴速) after he boasted that he was the strongest man "under the heavens". Nomi no Sukune engaged Taima no Kehaya in hand-to-hand combat and broke his ribs with one kick and his back with another, killing Taima no Kehaya.[4][5] It was not modern sumo, but he is regarded as the creator of sumo.[6]

He was an ancestor of Sugawara no Michizane,[3] great-grandfather to Haji no Mino and was the founder of the Haji clan after his creation of haniwa.[7]

Legacy

A mural of him, removed from the old National Olympic Stadium in 2014, was put on display at the new stadium in 2019.[8]

References
  1. Asashi Nihon rekishi jinbutsu jiten. Asahi Shinbunsha. 1994. 藤原光能. ISBN 4-02-340052-1. OCLC 33014222.
  2. Nihon dai hyakka zensho. Shōgakkan. 1989. 野見宿禰. ISBN 4-09-526001-7. OCLC 14970117.
  3. "The history of Kitano Jinja". Kitano Jinja. Archived from the original on February 19, 2008. Retrieved 2008-02-19.
  4. Guttmann, Allen; Thompson, Lee (2001). Japanese Sports: A History. Honolulu, HI: University of Hawai'i Press. p. 14. ISBN 9780824824143.
  5. "Sumo wrestling history, the Ancient Japanese sport". Essortment. Retrieved 2008-02-19.
  6. "History of Sumo Wrestling". Houston Chinatown. Retrieved 2008-02-19.
  7. "Nomi no Sukune • A History of Japan - 日本歴史". A History of Japan - 日本歴史. Retrieved 2021-09-01.
  8. "東京五輪向け壁画取り外し…建て替え国立競技場". Yomiuri Shinbun. 5 November 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
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