As a first time snowboarder, Japan has been kind to me, providing more than a good share of fresh powder days and a variety of runs suitable for beginners and experienced snowboarders.

Some people rate Japan as one of the best countries to learn to snowboard. A lot of resorts are affordable and easily accessible from Tokyo by bus or Shinkansen. In late December I booked my first trip to a ski resort in Japan. While the trip did have its share of unforeseen hiccups, it convinced me to take up snowboarding. A friend of mine was keen to try out snowboarding and we booked a one night two day trip Yuzawa Park in Niigata.

I initially decided to try skiing since I didn't know much about snowboarding at the time, and snowboarding looked ve... Read More

Sumo wrestlers, rikishi, sekitori or oyakata? The world of sumo involves a complex interchange of tradition and ritual. On a Sunday morning in May I ventured into one aspect of this remarkable world.

Think of sumo and most people picture two overweight men squaring up on an elevated ring, a few seconds off pushing and shoving, crowds cheering and then applause as one of the men is pushed out of the ring or floored. This is the norm at tournaments, but the art of sumo, deeply enshrined in tradition and Shinto ritual, needs to be understood to be appreciated. Training and preparation for tournaments are vital for any aspiring wrestler, yet few no much about what this entails.

On arrival at the stable at Ryogoku we were greeted by gasps, groans and t... Read More