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September 16, 2025
 

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John Gunning
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jul 8, 2020
Sumo's unique kanreki ceremonies provide windows into past
It's looking increasingly likely that it could be December (or even 2021) before Isegahama will be able to don the red rope.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jul 1, 2020
Heart by far most important factor toward achieving success in grueling world of sumo
In a sport where bouts are over in a matter of seconds, any kind of doubt or hesitation inevitably leads to a loss.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jun 24, 2020
State of sumo content online leaves much to be desired
The JSA would be wise to start taking advantage of its 'back catalog' and making footage of bouts and tournaments of the past available online.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jun 17, 2020
Gaming world remains land of untapped potential for sumo
Putting a sport in front of the eyeballs of the younger generation guarantees much higher rates of engagement and participation at all levels.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jun 10, 2020
Coronavirus will force sumo fans and wrestlers to adjust to new normal
Things won't be the same when sumo resumes amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jun 3, 2020
Wrestlers with amateur backgrounds may begin to make mark in near future
Wajima is the only former collegian to reach sumo's highest rank
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 27, 2020
Yusei Nakanishi gets new shikona, but what's in a ring name?
Ring name changes are not unusual, and regularly happen upon significant promotions, or as a way of changing luck after a string of bad results.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 20, 2020
Who should be engraved on sumo's Mount Rushmore?
If Hakuho and Futabayama are locks, then who should occupy the remaining two slots is far less clear.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 13, 2020
Fans have to turn to other options for their sumo fix during virus-related down period
Books, movies and the internet are among things sumo fans can use to pass time until the action in the ring resumes
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 6, 2020
Canceled Summer Basho's rankings will likely carry over to July
This month's tournament may have been called off, but the Japan Sumo Association will likely keep its banzuke sheet untouched for the next meet.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 29, 2020
Sumo feels impact of COVID-19 but escapes major financial hit plaguing other sports
Sumo’s bi-monthly nature may have exempted it from the financial pressures that are hitting other sports hard, but the ongoing pandemic is still having an impact on the sport.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 23, 2020
Long layoffs could prove detrimental to amateur and pro rikishi
The cancellations caused by the coronavirus will likely have an adverse effect on the sumo world.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 15, 2020
Asanoyama strong favorite to become sumo's next hot star
With the sport mostly at a standstill due to the coronavirus pandemic, the upcoming NFL Draft inspires Japan Times sumo columnist John Gunning to again consider his top rikishi selections.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 10, 2020
Sumo's rigid lifestyle offers bubble of protection against coronavirus disruption
With just one case of infection and wrestlers already living in a state of near-isolation, professional sumo may survive the COVID-19 pandemic without a significant decrease in the level of competition.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 1, 2020
Free movement of young wrestlers could help sumo build stronger base
Two significant changes in status took place after the Osaka Grand Sumo Tournament.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Mar 26, 2020
Spring Basho provided unique experience but raised concerns
The just-finished Spring Grand Sumo Tournament has left us writers with a wealth of storylines.
SUMO
Mar 22, 2020
'You Only Live Twice' participant Fujinishiki stood on top of sumo's fourth-highest rank
Who is the greatest yokozuna of all time?
SUMO
Mar 21, 2020
Kototenzan struggled with sumo lifestyle, but found stardom in pro wrestling
When the 2020 NFL Draft gets under way on April 23rd, Joe Burrow is widely expected to be the first overall pick after leading Louisiana State University to the National Championship, winning the Heisman Trophy and having one of the best seasons for a quarterback in college football history.
SUMO
Mar 19, 2020
Tough training in high school forged Mongolian Ichinojo
One of the strongest sumo high schools in Japan is Tottori Johoku.
SUMO
Mar 18, 2020
Akinoshima had decorated career as part of sumo's dominant stable
Yesterday's Rikishi File was a profile of Kotonishiki — a former sekiwake who is second all-time in the number of special prizes won, with 18.
SDF spots China’s biggest aircraft carrier for first time
The Fujian aircraft carrier is seen in Shanghai in May 2024 as it leaves for its first sea trial.
Why more hotels in Japan are offering room-only service
Nipponia Hotel Ise Kawasaki Merchant Town in Ise, Mie Prefecture
Is America ready for Japanese-style 7-Elevens?
Convenience stores are a fixture of Japanese life and 7-Eleven, a chain that began in the U.S. in 1927, opened its first store in Japan in 1974 — and then became wholly Japanese-owned in 2005 through parent company Seven & I Holdings.
Final weeks of World Expo in Osaka likely to see large crowds
With one month left to go, crowds are expected to swell at the World Expo in Osaka during its final weeks.
Japan's elderly population down at around 36.2 million
The estimated number of people age 65 or older in Japan stands at 36.19 million as of Monday, accounting for record 29.4% of the country's total population, according to the internal affairs ministry.
Strikes on Qatar and Poland shake U.S. sway among friend and foe
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Museum of the Bible in Washington on Sept. 8. Israeli strikes in Qatar and Russian drone incursions into Poland have challenged the U.S. leaders claims of global respect.
Japan's major art events converge this fall
Shinji Ohmaki’s “Tokinokage” exhibited at Fuji Textile Week 2021 shows the use of fabric as art.
An aesthetic escape to Hakone’s art-drenched hills
Between traditional examples of fine art and sleek, modern exhibitions that blend with nature, Hakone offers a unique escape from Tokyo's urban sprawl.
Niinami’s ouster quick but not unusual as corporations protect reputation
Takeshi Niinami resigns as chairman and CEO of Suntory Holdings.
As Manila modernizes its military, new opportunities emerge for Tokyo
A Brahmos missile system is displayed during a rehearsal for a military parade in New Delhi in January. The Philippines will soon receive its second batch of the supersonic cruise missiles from India.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Longform

Sumadori Bar on Shibuya Ward's main Center Gai street targets young customers who prefer low-alcohol drinks or abstain altogether.
Rethinking that second drink: Japan’s Gen Z gets ‘sober curious’
By Alex K.T. Martin

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