Sidedoor: Sumo wrestlers vs. firefighters

Forget Gorgeous George, Hulk Hogan and Roman Reigns—have we got a matchup for you!

In 19th-century Japan, two sumo wrestlers faced down dozens of firefighters in a brawl so epic it inspired a Kabuki play. But the story of what really happened—and who the heroes are—is all a matter of perspective. Underdogs, antiheroes and villains. How do we decide who plays what role?

This time on Sidedoor, we go back over two centuries to share an epic battle between Japanese firefighters and sumo wrestlers. We’ll trace this true tale through the lens of the art it inspired and see if we can sort out which side was victorious.

Guests

• Kit Brooks, Japan Foundation Assistant Curator of Japanese Art at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art
• Frank Feltens, Japan Foundation Associate Curator of Japanese Art at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art

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Dive Deeper

• Explore the exhibition, Underdogs and Antiheroes: Japanese Prints from the Moskowitz Collection, now on view at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art.
• Edo period firemen relied on specially made coats, hikeshi banten, for some protection while on duty. These multilayered, quilted cotton jackets were decorated in elaborate scenes showcasing heroism and strength. See some stunning examples collected by The Public Domain Review.
• Get a brief history of the origins of sumo wrestling from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Experience highlights from a performance of the kabuki play The Fight of the Megumi Firemen and Sumo Wrestlers from NHK World-Japan, or catch a quick synopsis with an illustrated overview from Kabuki on the Web.

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