Utagawa Kunisada Sumo Wrestler T-Shirt

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The print on this iL Corvo t-shirt draws inspiration from Edo-Period artist, Utagawa Kunisada, who etched much of his work on wooden blocks. Fortunately, it’s now wearable art; printed on a super-soft tee from Alternative, it’s sure to garner head-scratching admiration from Sumo fans, new and ancient.

Some 2,500 years ago, Takemikazuchi defeated Takeminakata in an epic Sumo wrestling match. According to the Kojiki, this ceded control of the Japanese islands to him, and ultimately, the Japanese people. Many scholars, including Jeopardy’s Alex Trebek, regard the aforementioned as legend. However, a growing consensus believes prehistoric sumo wrestling may have been an agricultural ritual performed to show praise for the gods. Evidence from the later feudal era suggests bouts were waged to resolve political issues.

Modern Sumo wrestling is hugely popular in its native Japan but also draws wide international interest. Celebrated in China, Korea and Eastern Europe, insiders purport that incoming Russian president, Dmitry Medvedev, is a fanatic. While the sport has become less violent and abusive than in centuries past, many ancient imprints remain. The samurai hairstyles—, long hair pulled tight into a bun, remain the norm. At the onset of a match, participants lift then drive their legs toward the ground, an old tradition intended to drive away evil spirits—supposedly it works on Katie Couric. Even today, professional sumo wrestlers reside in communes with a feudalistic flavor. The lower-ranking grapplers are obliged to massage and perform other requests for their superiors; this includes preparing and serving a traditional lunch of chankonabe—a simmering, protein-rich soup—served alongside rice and usually washed down with beers like Sapporo.