is an unconventional sumo wrestling technique, which involves a wrestler clapping his hands together in front of his opponent's face at the '' tachi-ai'' (start of the bout). The aim of this technique is to cause the opponent to close his eyes briefly, allowing the instigator to gain the advantage. ''Nekodamashi'' requires there to be a fair amount of space between the wrestlers at the ''tachi-ai''. Using the technique is also a gamble: if it miscarries, it leaves the wrestler wide open to his opponent's attack. ''Nekodamashi'' is not listed as a ''

kimarite ''Kimarite'' ( ja, 決まり手) is the technique used in sumo by a '' rikishi'' (wrestler) to win a match. It is officially decided or announced by the '' gyōji'' (referee) at the end of the match, though judges can modify this decision. The r ...

'' (winning technique); even in the unlikely situation that a wrestler is so surprised by a ''nekodamashi'' that he falls over, the winning technique is simply recorded as '' higi'' (non-technique victory). Famous sumo wrestlers to have used the ''nekodamashi'' over the years include Mainoumi, Ōtsukasa, '' yokozuna'' Hakuhō in November 2015, and former ''yokozuna'' Mienoumi.

See also