Dog wrestling has been a popular spectator sport in Japan, as it has been in the rest of the world, although in a significantly different form. The tradition of dog wrestling runs especially high in the Tosa district of Shikoku, with fighting seemingly dating back to the Hojo era, as was mentioned in the ancient document, the Tai-Heiki.
Centuries ago
the Japanese used dogs from the northern regions which were the predecessors of modern-day
Akitas, as they were valued for their courage and tenacity. "So valued were these
attributes that organized dog wrestling were used as training sessions for Samurai warriors
in order that the Samurai might learn by observation the true meaning of courage."
(Semencic, Carl. "Introducing the Tosa-Inu of Japan." Dog World, Sept.
1983.)
8th Hara Jo was gracefully retired here from his owner Hiroki at StoneWall to live out the rest of his days under the oak trees of Tennessee
Tosa wrestling is very similar to Sumo wrestling, and follows
similar rules. Led to the ring by silk ropes, the Tosas wear embroidered ceremonial robes which
can cost $30,000 or more. The two dogs are placed (robe-free) in a gazebo-shaped ring ten
feet in diameter in the presence of a chief judge, two assistant judges, and three or
more examiners. The dogs lock heads and attempt to push each other out of the
ringed area.
No sanctioned Tosa-Ken match is to the finish. The time limit is 30
minutes and typically the fights last no longer
than ten minutes. Any barking or growling disqualifies the dog. The winning dog is not
necessarily the one to attack more often or more viscously. Victory depends solely on the
spirit of the Tosa-Inu.
Approved matches are between male dogs only. Although females are
extremely brave when compared to other breeds. Tosa-Ken females are typically used as home
guardians. Like any sportsman, the male is placed under a strict living regimen and is
regularly exercised. That consist of up to 10 miles a day.
At most, the dogs are scheduled for two or three matches per year. The most successful dogs are given the rank of "Yokozuna", the title given to a champion in Sumo wrestling.
This is information based on the Japanese culture and the events that are maintained in Japan. At no time has the law been broken.