Sumo Do, Sumo Don't!
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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Sumo Do, Sumo Don't!
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Sumo Do, Sumo Don't! is a Japanese-language show available with subtitles that takes place in a fictional university. College students and other adults drink beer and sake in social situations. Sumo wrestling involves strenuous shows of strength and agility, but real violence is avoided. Men's legs and buttocks are exposed when they wear the mawashi, the traditional covering used by sumo wrestlers. Some crude humor and sexist remarks, but no real language or sexual imagery. Perseverance and teamwork are themes.
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What's the Story?
In SUMO DO, SUMO DON'T! Ryoto Moriyama (Shôno Hayama) is more motivated to play video games and eat junk food than excel in college. He's got slacking down to an art form -- huge gaming consoles dominate his dorm room. When he receives a call telling him that he's won the job that he applied for, it puts pressure on him to graduate. He meets his thesis advisor for the first time, who surprises him by being a woman, and who presents him with an ultimatum: Complete a match for the university's sumo club, or don't graduate. He pays a visit to the dilapidated sumo club, only to find another female, Honoka Oba (Rikka Ihara), is the sole member of the historic club. Will Ryoto manage to finish one match? How will sumo wrestling change him?
Is It Any Good?
A subtle but humorous look at what happens when the modern world collides with tradition, this show makes sumo wrestling available to even the most dedicated slacker. Sumo Do, Sumo Don't stars a character who acts like he's sauntered out of a John Hughes movie. He's an anti-hero who tries to rest on his charm, but life has other plans for him.
Adults might find the inherent and overt sexist behavior of the old-boy club in this show interesting to watch. Even more fascinating is the quiet dismantling of that club by the female characters. Teens will likely warm to this show more slowly, but there's an underdog story to be told here. And who doesn't love an underdog?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about women's roles in Sumo Do, Sumo Don't! How have the women in this series fought a traditional system to get to where they are? What comments do the men in this show make about their accomplishments?
The true students of sumo wrestling exhibit the character trait of perseverance. What other shows focus on perseverance?
Even though sumo is a sport that focuses on the individual, teammates are crucial to success. How does teamwork benefit you -- even when you're asked to do something by yourself?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 26, 2022
- Cast: Shôno Hayama, Rikka Ihara
- Network: Disney+
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Perseverance, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: January 3, 2023
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