Your Doorway to Japan

sumō

The ancient sport of sumō, with its roots in religious ritual, is today a symbol of Japan and a popular sport with six major tournaments a year. A collection of articles exploring the rikishi wrestlers, the dohyō ring where they do battle, and much more. (Photo © Jiji)

LATEST
Sumō Gone Global: Japan’s Traditional Sport in an International AgeINSIGHT | Jul 14, 2026
The Chonmage: Japan’s Traditional TopknotCULTURE | Jan 27, 2026
Takaichi’s Rise as Prime Minister Rekindles Debate on Women in the Sumō RingINSIGHT | Nov 28, 2025
Aonishiki: Ukraine’s First Grand Sumō Tournament ChampionINSIGHT | Nov 25, 2025
Japan Sumō Association Still Telling Women to Keep Out of the RingINSIGHT | Nov 18, 2025
Honbasho: Professional Sumō’s Six Major TournamentsCULTURE | Nov 7, 2025
Grand Sumō Hits London: Success for Second Five-Day Tournament Ever Outside JapanCULTURE | Nov 1, 2025
Streaming Videos Mix Sumō Tradition with ModernityINSIGHT | Aug 1, 2025
Ōnosato on Top: The Meteoric Rise of a Talented New Sumō ChampINSIGHT | Jul 10, 2025
Sumō Goes Abroad: Japan’s National Sport in the Spotlight in London and Paris JAPAN LIFE | May 9, 2025
Center Ring: Exploring The Theatrical Side of SumōCULTURE | Jul 11, 2024
Daily Sumō Shows a New Attraction for Visitors to OsakaTRAVEL | Jun 14, 2024
Four Women Wrestlers Taking on the World of SumōINSIGHT | Jan 12, 2024
Sumō for the “Kami”: Three Japanese Festivals Preserving the Sport’s Ritual RootsTRAVEL | Nov 22, 2023
Depicting the Essence of Sumō: Traditional and New Ideals in Manga “Hinomaruzumō”CULTURE | Jul 20, 2023
“Shitaku beya”—Where “Rikishi” and the Media MeetCULTURE | Jul 10, 2023
Dawning of a Sumō Success Story: Reflections on the Sport’s Pioneering Group of Mongolian WrestlersCULTURE | May 12, 2023
Tamawashi’s Stunning Win Masks an Unpalatable TruthINSIGHT | Jan 11, 2023