【Japanese Culture】Very popular among young women! Sumo Goods: Ohagiyama

Hello, this is Payke writer LINA!
Do you like Japan’s national sport, sumo wrestling? Sumo wrestling is part of the traditional Japanese culture and it is said to be one of the few sports with the most history.
I will briefly explain the rules for those who are unaware of the sport. In sumo wrestling, the wrestlers fight one-on-one within an elevated ring. The first wrestler to make his opponent exit the ring or make any part of his body (except the soles of the feet) touch the ground, wins the match.

Recently in Japan, the number of young fans, especially young women, are increasing- they are called “Sujo (short for sumo girls).” This time, because the popularity of sumo wrestling is on the rise, I will introduce you to these wrestler characters called “Ohagiyama” that are secretly gaining popularity.

Ohagiyama

This plump wrestler with a friendly smile is “Ohagiyama.” He has a strange charm to him; it will make you want to smile whenever you see him. Since its creation from a collaboration with Nagano Chisato and the miscellaneous goods brand “Saito,” this unique, surrealistic character became very popular.

Price: Clear File [left] 350 yen (tax excluded), Postcard [right] 200 yen (tax excluded)
Sumo wrestlers have very busy lives: from giving their best in practice, cleaning, going grocery shopping… these kinds of daily activities being illustrated are very cute. Though it is difficult to see sumo wrestlers around the town in real life, you may see them wearing kimonos around in the city if you are lucky. You can agree that they are popular among women because they are big and brave.

Price: Page Markers [left] 500 yen (tax excluded), Eraser [right] 200 yen (tax excluded)
Why not try carrying cute sumo wrestler stationary in your pencil pouch? I am in love with these page markers and I ended up sticking them all over my notebook!

Price: Masking Tape 450 yen (tax excluded)
This masking tape is inspired by the sumo wrestler’s techniques in winning (kimari-te). There are 82 winning techniques in total. For example, the one on the bottom right-hand corner is a technique called “yoritaoshi.” In this technique, the wrestler brings his body close to the opponent and tries to make the opponent collapse out of the ring by moving sideways. I did not know much about sumo wrestling, but I feel like I was able to learn more about it thanks to this masking tape!

When I stuck them on like this, my notebook became very cute and one of a kind!

Interested in sumo wrestler goods as a Japanese gift?

“Ohagiyama” goods can be purchased at Loft. These sumo wrestler goods are very cute, but in reality, sumo wrestling is very intense! So, I also recommend you watching sumo wrestling! Matches are held in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, so if you have the chance, please experience the intensity for yourself!
（Website: http://saito3110.jp/）