Page:Sketches of Tokyo Life (1895).djvu/64

40 counter-signatures are necessary in every application for a wrestler’s license.

The first professional umpire on record was Shiga Seirin who presided at the annual court matches first held in 726 when the Emperor gave him a war-fan to umpire with. From that time all umpires used war-fans on the arena. Shiga laid down rules for wrestling, many of which are observed to this day. For some generations, Shiga’s descendants succeeded to his office; but when Emperor Go-Toba attempted to revive these court matches in 1185, he found Shiga’s family was extinct and accordingly, Yoshida Oikaze, who was versed in the rules and traditions of that family, was appointed to the vacant office. The post has remained hereditary in Yoshida’s family, the present head of which, Yoshikado, is his twenty-third descendant. The umpire’s office was retained at the Imperial Court though wrestling-matches were comparatively rare in the palace; but in 1658, the fourteenth Yoshida was permitted to enter the service of the Lord of Kumamoto as his salary was insufficient to maintain his family. He retained, however, all the privileges of his hereditary office, and all licenses to umpires and wrestlers were given out in his name. The umpire’s post has always been held in high respect by wrestlers. Umpires commence their career by practising at matches between wrestlers of the lowest grade and rise as they acquire experience in the art. Umpires of the lower grade appear on the arena bare-footed; but those presiding over matches between wrestlers of the first grade may wear socks, while those who umpire at contests between the highest of that grade enjoy the distinction of putting on sandals as well. Only the last are allowed to have crimson tassels attached to their war-fans. The umpire’s promotion is slow; but unlike the wrestler who loses his strength when he passes his prime, the umpire gains experience with age and can practise his art until death.