The bōtaoshi (literally “to drop the pole”) is a traditional Japanese team game similar to the stolenber, known for its spectacularity but also for his extreme violence. Probably born between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the twentieth century, it is now practiced almost exclusively in the context ofNational Military Academy and to the Kaisei Gakuena prestigious private high school.
During the Bōtaoshi, two teams made up of 150 players each, are divided between strikers And defenders With a very simple goal: Place the pole of the opposing team, keeping his own erected. The games are frenetic and last only 90 secondsbut they are often the scene of chaotic frayviolent thrusts and spectacular falls.
The field sees two real simultaneous assaults. The strikers they try to overwhelm the defense and break down the pole by bending it at least 30 degreeswhile i defenders organize human barriers and deploy players in strategic positions such as the “Ninja”the athlete who climbs the top of the pole to help him stay standing.
Many schools have gradually prohibited him
Despite the charm linked to the physical resistanceat the team strategy and al individual courageBōtaoshi does not hide its extreme nature. Accidents are frequent: broken bones, bleeding noses And bruise they are on the agenda, even if the players are equipped with helmets And kneeier. To try to reduce risks, the regulation prohibits the use of footwear and limits clothing, avoiding bands or elements that could be frowning in the crowd.
Over the years, precisely because of the High number of accidentsmany schools have progressively prohibited The Bōtaoshi, letting him survive only to Kaisei Gakuen and military academies. Here too, however, the regulation comes constantly updated To make the game less dangerous, by reducing, for example, the duration of the games and limiting the most aggressive actions.
From a cultural point of view, Bōtaoshi is considered a sort of initiatory ritecapable of strengthening it team spiritthe determination and the resilience of students. However, today we can only ask ourselves if it is really necessary and it is still justifiable perpetuating traditions so violent. Promote courage and team game should never go to the detriment of thesafety of young people.
