Sanctuary: Sumo Arrives in the West
The Essence of Sumo on Netflix
Sumo: Between Tradition and Stereotypes
Sumo, the ancient Japanese martial art, is a discipline that extends far beyond mere physical competition. It is deeply rooted in rituals, history, and a code of conduct that reflects Japan’s traditional values. Unfortunately, outside of the Land of the Rising Sun, sumo is often misunderstood and reduced to stereotypical images of large men pushing each other on a small circular ring. The Japanese series Sanctuary, available on Netflix, does an excellent job of shedding light on this fascinating and complex world, making it accessible to an international audience.
A Journey into the World of Sumo
“Sanctuary“ follows the story of a troubled young man with a turbulent past who finds himself entering the world of sumo. Here, in addition to facing physically imposing opponents, he must also confront his inner struggles and adapt to a sports environment that demands discipline, respect, and complete dedication. The series offers an in-depth look at life in sumo stables (heya) and the intense clashes that take place in the dohyō, the sacred ring where the matches occur.
An introduction to sumo for Western audiences
One aspect that makes “Sanctuary“ particularly interesting is its ability to introduce Western viewers to a little-known sporting culture. Sumo, with its complex rules, rituals, and hierarchies, can be challenging for those unfamiliar with Japan. However, the series takes the time to clearly and gradually explain the various aspects of this sport, making it accessible even to those with no prior knowledge. The scenes inside the training stables and during the matches are portrayed with great realism and detail, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the discipline and understand its essence.
An unstable balance between sport and daily life
Despite the significant effort made to accurately portray the world of sumo, “Sanctuary” is not without its flaws. One of the series’ weak points is its handling of everyday life scenes outside the sumo world. While the sequences in the dohyō and the stables are engaging and well-crafted, the scenes concerning the characters’ personal lives tend to fall into the mundane.
An emblematic example is the protagonist’s story and his relationship with his parents. His personal journey, filled with misunderstandings, family trauma, and intergenerational conflicts, is treated with overly melodramatic tones and laden with clichés that can be somewhat cloying. The narrative, during these moments, flattens out, losing the intensity and complexity that characterize the sports aspect of the series.
Recommended for fans of Japanese culture and sports
Despite the flaws in the script regarding the personal lives of the protagonists, “Sanctuary” remains a valuable series worth watching. Its main strength lies in its ability to immerse the audience in a largely unknown world in an engaging and informative way. If you are interested in Japanese culture or traditional sports, this series offers a unique glimpse into a universe filled with sacrifice, discipline, and honor.
“Sanctuary” represents an excellent opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of sumo. Although the aspects related to the characters’ daily lives may be less successful, the series manages to keep the viewer’s attention through its authentic and accurate portrayal of this ancient Japanese martial art.
Recommended for anyone looking to explore a different aspect of Japanese culture, “Sanctuary” successfully fills a gap in the landscape of international TV series by offering something new and intriguing.
So much more on YouTube!
If this series has sparked a new passion for sumo and the wonderful world of Japan, I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel. In the coming months, there will be plenty of surprises and exclusive content that will take you even deeper into this fascinating universe, with insights on sumo, Japanese culture, and much more. Don’t miss the chance to discover new curiosities and untold stories, perfect for lovers of Japan and its traditions!
