Almost any sports enthusiast over the age of thirty can participate in the Tug of War contest at the 「WORLD MASTERS GAMES (WMG) 2021 KANSAI」, an international multi-sport athletic competition, which will take place in Japan’s Kansai region.
Tug of War is a game that has been played since ancient times all over the world until modern times. Today, Tug of War is well-known in countries throughout Asia, where there are contests for school kids and for working adults, and in many other countries around the world because it is an activity almost anyone can take part in. The Tug of War competition in the Kansai tournament will be the first time for the WMG. How about forming a team with your friends or colleagues and attempting to become the first champions?
Since the venue for the upcoming Tug of War competition will be Katsuragi City in Nara Prefecture, we will introduce places there where you and your team can have fun and enjoy good food.
Channel Your Energy in an Experience at Taimadera Before the Match
Taimadera is the only temple in Japan that still has its two original pagodas in both east and west side of the temple*. The three-story structures are said to date to 612 A.D., and the main hall (Mandalado) is designated as a national treasure. The temple bell and the stone lantern are the oldest remaining in Japan and can be considered noteworthy historical spots.
Taimadera is not only a place to look at historical treasures: there is an abundance of activities which are held inside the temple. By booking a meditation experience in advance, groups of over 11 people can experience meditation in Taimadera’s Nakano-bo Hall. In addition, you can try your hand at sketching copies of Buddhist images reproduction or transcribing Buddhist sutras by hand under the splendid ceiling adorned with 150 paintings.
Both are experiences that give us the opportunity to be introspective and to get control of our emotions. If you participate with your team before competing in the Tug of War event, you can tackle the match with enhanced team spirit and calm nerves.
The WMG2021 KANSAI competition will take place at the same time as the blooming of Taimadera’s tree peonies. The Nakano-bo Hall has a garden with approximately 1,200 tree peonies which will be bursting into flowers. The temple and the flowers combine to form a quintessential Japanese landscape that is famous as a photography spot.
From April 13, 2019, to May 20, 2019, Katsuragi City Tourism Association held a photo contest with the theme of tree peonies. The dates have not yet been decided for the 2021 contest; however, choosing a theme with your team members and taking a photo to commemorate your participation in the WMG2021 KANSAI will be a memory to treasure.
※The three-story pagodas are under restoration until 2020. At present they are covered and cannot be viewed; however, by the time of the WMG2021 KANSAI, they are expected to be open for viewing. (As of August 27, 2019)
Let’s Experience Sumo, an Icon of Japan’s Traditional Culture, in its Place of Origin, Katsuragi City
Why not experience watching sumo, Japan’s national sport, when you visit Katsuragi City to participate in the Tug of War competition?
Sumo is said to be Japan’s national sport and is a part of its traditional culture. The legendary match of Sukune and Kehaya at which the emperor was invited, is depicted in the Nihon Shoki, the oldest chronicles of Japan. Katsuragi City was where the contest took place, so it is said to be the birthplace of sumo and retains a strong connection to sumo.
We recommend you visit the sumo museum Kehayaza in Katsuragi City to experience sumo. Here you can step onto a full-size replica of dohyo, the sumo ring. With your team members, you can test the gaze of sumo wrestlers in the arena. It is a place where you can learn about and experience sumo’s history with its over 12,000 resources on the sport. In addition, entry is free for foreign tourists with a passport (as of August 28, 2019).
（*There are several theories as to the origin of sumo.)
Let’s Try Eating Yamato Vegetables, Brand Vegetables of Nara Prefecture (Old Yamato Province)
In Nara Prefecture, traditional vegetables which are harvested within the prefecture are called “Yamato vegetables”. Katsuragi City is one place where such Yamato vegetables are produced. In May, when the WMG will be held, hanjiro (half-white) cucumbers, fragrant burdock root, and Yamato round eggplants will be in season.
In “Futakami Park Taima – Taima No Ie”, a roadside station*, there is a shop which sells Yamato vegetables together with a large selection of other products including Taima No Ie’s original processed foods.
In addition to the sale of food products, Taima No Ie also offers hands-on cooking experiences. You can use local flour to knead dough and enjoy eating the fresh udon noodles.
The facility is a 10-minute walk from the Kintetsu Minami Osaka Line’s Nijōjinjaguchi Station, so it is easily reached even without a car. What about considering it as one of the destinations on your travel itinerary?
*Roadside stations are just what the name suggests. They have 24-hour free parking and three integrated functions: “rest facilities”, such as toilets, “information provision” including tourist information and emergency medical information, and “community link functions” such as cultural education facilities and tourist recreation.
A Trip in Nara Prefecture’s Katsuragi City in which History and Tradition can be Experienced with All Five Senses
※The picture is for illustration purpose only
Tug of War has been popular since antiquity in many countries because it is a sport that anyone can take part in. And just as the deep historic roots of Tug of War live on, since ancient times Katsuragi City in Nara Prefecture has been the stage for sumo matches. We hope you take advantage of this opportunity to visit the charming traditional spots and enjoy the unchanging culture and flavors of Katsuragi City with your team members.
For detailed information on the WMG2021 KANSAI, click here 👉 https://wmg2021.jp/en/
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