The Japan Times is running a story about how the governor of Osaka cannot present the prize at the coming Sumo tournament because she is a woman. Women cannot enter the ring (dohyo), so Governor Ota, for the 4th straight year, has been refused the privelege of fulfilling this ceremonial duty.
Osaka governor barred from dohyo
In the UK, Membership of the MCC (cricket club) used to be off-limits to women. This changed in 1999, after 212 years of being all-male. I wonder if there are any obvious examples of this kind of discrimination in Britain, where the Queen is not allowed to go somewhere, or for example Maggie Thatcher, Milk Snatcher was not allowed to fullfil some duty...
Posted by Gary at February 19, 2004 10:05 AMWhat a progressive stance for an organization who's sport's popularity has fallen in recent years. The JSA is sure to lure many more women fans with such a liberal stance.
Posted by: Gen Kanai at February 19, 2004 01:01 PMLiberal??
Posted by: Dirk at February 19, 2004 02:04 PMGet over it.
You don't see anyone complaining about no male GEISHA or MAIKO.
What could anyone possibly benefit by changing the tradition? Christian Europeans destroyed Japan as it is with your convincing Japanese the co-ed hotsprings were evil.
Stay with tradition, too many double standards in the world. Colleges in the US have to let women play sport teams if there is not a female counterpart. The standard does not work the other way.
Posted by: Paul at February 19, 2004 09:58 PM