[2025 Edition] The prototype of modern sumo! Traditional event "Nettei Sumo" to be held on October 13th

What is "Nettei Sumo"?

Nettei Sumo, held at Mizutani Shrine in Okumeiji , Yabu City , is a sumo ritual that has been performed as an imperial court ceremony since the Heian period, and is said to pacify evil spirits by stomping the feet.

The Sasa Odori dance is held after a festival of thanksgiving and prayers for a bountiful harvest. It is held in front of Tawa Shrine, next to the main hall of Mizutani Shrine.
Twelve men, wearing lined kimonos and holding bamboo poles, line up in a circle and take turns walking on the geta of the person to their left.
Finally, they return to their original position and hit the ground three times with the bamboo grass. This is an event to give thanks for a good harvest and ward off evil.
There is a record of it being dedicated at Ibukibe Shrine in Izushi in 1839 (Tenpo 9), but today it is a rare traditional event that can only be seen in Okumeiji , Yabu City .

Afterwards, two male dancers in blue kimonos perform a series of movements with wooden swords in front of the main shrine of Mizutani Shrine, followed by a sumo match. Shirtless, they stomp their feet and, chanting "Yoi, yoi, yoi," solidify their ground, then swing their arms down to calm the raging heavens and earth.

They grab each other's necks and jump up three times, and whether they can return to their original position determines the fortune of the harvest. In the area, the act of repeating it over and over is called "knead, knead,"（"練って、練って"："nette,nette,"） and it is said that the name "Nettei Sumo" comes from the repeated footsteps that are part of the sumo routine.

This ancient "Nettei Sumo" is said to be the prototype of modern sumo and has been designated a nationally selected intangible folk cultural property and a prefecturally designated cultural property, and is continued to be cherished and preserved by local people.

Details of "Nettei Sumo" (Schedule, Access Information, Inquiries)

Event Schedule

October 13, 2025 (holiday/Monday) 13:00~
After the Shinto ritual and the bamboo dance, the Netteisumo is dedicated.

Access information

Mizutani Shrine 235 Okumeiji, Yabu City Hyogo Prefecture , 667-0121
25 minutes by car from Yoka Mt. Hyonosen IC *There is no dedicated parking lot, so please park at your own risk in a nearby space.

inquiry

For more information on the history of Nettei Sumo, please see
Please contact the Yabu City Board of Education's Historical and Cultural Properties Division.
TEL: 079-664-1628 (Weekdays 9:00-17:00)
Please contact us by email at shakaikyouiku@city.yabu.lg.jp

Yabu City has many other attractions! Why not visit it along with "Nettei Sumo"?

Yabu City has many attractions that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons, such as Tentaki Falls and Yabu Shrine.
Please see below for articles about Yabu City.