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Exploring Sumō: Unusual Techniques and the Sport’s Rising Stars

  • A Muromachi period (1336–1573) illustration depicting what is most likely a sumō match. The circle formed by the spectators around the men may mark the origin of the dohyō. (Courtesy Ōzumō Journal)

    A Muromachi period (1336–1573) illustration depicting what is most likely a sumō match. The circle formed by the spectators around the men may mark the origin of the dohyō. (Courtesy Ōzumō Journal)

  • The match between Mainoumi and Takatōriki at the January 1992 basho. Pushed to the edge of the ring, Mainoumi (left) attempts to pull off izori. (Courtesy Ōzumō Journal)

    The match between Mainoumi and Takatōriki at the January 1992 basho. Pushed to the edge of the ring, Mainoumi (left) attempts to pull off izori. (Courtesy Ōzumō Journal)

  • The match between Ura and Amakaze at the January 2017 basho. (© Kyōdō)

    The match between Ura and Amakaze at the January 2017 basho. (© Kyōdō)

  • Asashōryū meets Takanonami at the September 2002 basho. The kimarite, initially announced as hikiotoshi (hand pull-down), was soon corrected to tsutaezori. (Courtesy Ōzumō Journal)

    Asashōryū meets Takanonami at the September 2002 basho. The kimarite, initially announced as hikiotoshi (hand pull-down), was soon corrected to tsutaezori. (Courtesy Ōzumō Journal)

  • Kaiō (right) forces Musashimaru out with ipponzeoi at the November 2000 basho. (© Jiji)

    Kaiō (right) forces Musashimaru out with ipponzeoi at the November 2000 basho. (© Jiji)

  • Hōshōryū and Wakatakakage on the ninth day of the September 2021 basho. (© Kyōdō)

    Hōshōryū and Wakatakakage on the ninth day of the September 2021 basho. (© Kyōdō)

  • At the September 1977 basho, Takamisugi, displaying astonishing lower body strength, pulls off an upset victory against Washūyama. (Courtesy Ōzumō)

    At the September 1977 basho, Takamisugi, displaying astonishing lower body strength, pulls off an upset victory against Washūyama. (Courtesy Ōzumō)

  • Daikirin against Masuiyama at the September 1972 basho. At first glance, it looked as though Daikirin had executed a tsukaminage, but the official ruling was tsuridashi. (Courtesy Ōzumō Journal)

    Daikirin against Masuiyama at the September 1972 basho. At first glance, it looked as though Daikirin had executed a tsukaminage, but the official ruling was tsuridashi. (Courtesy Ōzumō Journal)

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