Literary Sumo - Fuzumo

The title of a Kyogen piece. Daimyo Kyogen. It is also called "Fumizumo." A daimyo (shite) with only one retainer, Tarokaja, says he wants to employ a newcomer, and sends Tarokaja out to find someone. The man Tarokaja brings back is said to be good at sumo. The daimyo is delighted and immediately challenges the man to a sumo match, but is quickly defeated. Vexed, the daimyo takes out a book of sumo and starts studying it. He wins the rematch exactly as instructed, but the third time he is beaten by the man who knows his tricks. The daimyo gets up dejected, tears up the book of sumo, and in revenge defeats Tarokaja, who has decided to watch leisurely, before entering the act. This work well depicts the daimyo's generous and innocent character. The "sumo book" prop has such a great effect that it seems to symbolize the daimyo's culture and knowledge.

[Mitsuo Yuya]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

狂言の曲名。大名狂言。「ふみずもう」ともいう。家来は太郎冠者(かじゃ)ただ1人という大名（シテ）が、新参者を召し抱えたいといいだし、太郎冠者に人材を探しに行かせる。太郎冠者が連れ帰ってきた男は、相撲が得意だという。喜んだ大名はさっそく相撲を挑むが、たちまち負けてしまう。悔しがった大名は、相撲の書を持ち出してにわか勉強。再戦は手引書どおりまんまと勝つが、三度目に手の内を知った男にたたきのめされてしまう。悄然(しょうぜん)と起き上がった大名、相撲の書を引きちぎり、のんびり見物を決め込んでいた太郎冠者を腹いせに倒して幕に入る。大名の大らかで無邪気な性格がよく描かれた作品。小道具の「相撲の書」が、大名の教養や知識の象徴と思えるほど、みごとな効果を発揮する。

［油谷光雄］

出典　小学館　日本大百科全書(ニッポニカ)日本大百科全書(ニッポニカ)について　情報 | 凡例