Nomi no Sukune beats Taima no Kehaya in a wrestling match in a wrestling match in 23 B.C

This print depicts the mythic origin of Japanese wrestling, recounted in the Nihon Shoki: in the seventh year of Emperor Suinin's reign (traditionally dated 23 BC), the boastful strongman Taima no Kehaya was challenged by Nomi no Sukune of Izumo, who broke his rival's ribs and hip with a single kick. Yoshitoshi's treatment likely captures the moment of impact, with the two combatants locked in mawashi loincloths, their bodies twisted along sweeping diagonals that [ukiyo-e](/glossary/ukiyo-e) printmakers used to convey violent motion. Heavy outline blocks define the heaving musculature, while gradated [bokashi](/glossary/bokashi) inking on the ground and sky concentrates attention on the figures. The subject belongs to [musha-e](/glossary/musha-e) (warrior pictures), a genre Yoshitoshi treated extensively through series such as Mirror of Famous Generals of Japan (Dai Nihon meishō kagami) and Twenty-Four Accomplishments in Imperial Japan. His treatments of legendary antiquity sat alongside more contemporary otokodate and supernatural prints, demonstrating the historical sweep that defined his late career.