Culture & Tradition Japan / Human Interest

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The Poet and the Sumo Wrestler

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HD award

201477

The Poet and the Sumo WrestlerThe Poet and the Sumo Wrestler
  • 1 x 34 min.
  • Clean, M/E + English
  • English script
  • 2007
  • © NHK
  • intermedia-globe GOLD
    Documentaries: Human Relations and Values
    World Media Festival 2008 - Hamburg , Germany

Skillfully using simple language, Akira is a poet who writes heartwarming poetry and also illustrates his poems. He has published volumes of his poetry as well as held exhibitions showing his original works. However, reality for Akira is harsh. Mentally and physically challenged, Akira is sometimes coldly treated and shunned by strangers. A huge fan of sumo wrestling, Akira once sent a fan letter to a wrestler, and exchanges between the two began. Unable to move higher up in the sumo rankings, this wrestler sympathized with the sentiment in Akira's poetry. This is the unusual story of the warm and inspiring exchanges between a poet and a sumo wrestler.