is a 2010 fantasy animated 13-minute short film written by Hayao Miyazaki and directed by Akihiko Yamashita. It is based on a Japanese folk tale, . It was produced by Studio Ghibli for the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka.
Plot An old farmer discovers a group of rats heading to a sumo wrestling bout. After they lose miserably, he decides to feed the rats to boost their chances of winning.
Production and release Chūzumō was written and planned by Hayao Miyazaki, with storyboards by the director of the film, Akihiko Yamashita. The storyboards took three months to complete. The story is based on a Japanese folk tale, . The film depicts scenery and locations based on actual places in Nagano Prefecture.
It premiered at the Ghibli Museum on January 3, 2010. This was Yamashita's directorial debut, and—at the time of its release—it was the first film by Studio Ghibli to premier at the Ghibli Museum in four years. As part of the promotions for the film, wrestlers from the Arashio stable, including Ōyutaka Masachika, were invited to the museum where they held a sumō tournament in front of a group of children.
Staff and cast Director: Akihiko Yamashita Planning: Hayao Miyazaki Screenplay: Hayao Miyazaki Storyboards: Akihiko Yamashita Music: Manto Watanobe Narrator: Sawako Agawa Production: Studio Ghibli
References
External links A Sumo Wrestler's Tail at Nausicaa.net