The best contested wrestling matches in Japan are these which take place before the high officials and court grandees. These are usually contests between the best wrestlers of the empire, and are conducted in a tent in the gardens of the palace of the Kobo, in a retired manner. The prises are munificent, and the attainment of one confers a rank upon the winner much envied by the lower classes, besides a pension from government during his natural life. There is in this instance an outer enclosure beside the inner ring, and disgrace does not finally attach until the one defeated is ejected from the outer enclosure. But, when thrown out from the inner ring, the victor has the privilege, if he can do so quickly enough, to lift the fallen wrestler bodily and eject him. When fallen within the inner ring, this privilege is denied. Upon one side of the ring the outer inclosure is omitted. This is the side towards the raised seats of the dignitaries, and upon this side neither disputants are allowed to step over without forfeiture to both of the right to continue the contest. Upon each post of the enclosure surrounding the ring is tied a blanket, for the purpose of shielding the wrestlers if pitched with force against them. A species of vinegar, mixed with water, is kept in two pails, close by the ring, with which the nostrils and mouths of the disputants are occasionally warned.
    Here, wrestling almost assumes the nature of a mortal combat, by its intensity and fierceness. Every nerve is strung to the highest pitch — every muscle strained to its utmost tension — the eyes protrude — the breath grows short — and the whole anatomy of the figure appears marked on the outside of the body, so distinct do the swelling muscles develop themselves to the spectator. Almost frantic efforts are made by each wrestler to lift his opponent by the girdle bodily, in which position he can be easily carried from the ring. In mere strength alone this can easily be accomplished, but the wary antagonist is always careful to prevent it. But a fixed period is allowed for each contest, therefore the wrestlers must proceed with some dispatch, but most proceed cautiously as well. These trials of strength are said to be intensely exciting, and a source of as much bantering and betting among the Japanese at cock fighting in Cuba, bull-baiting in Spain, or horse-racing in America.