Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Mar 16, 2022

'COVID factor' wreaks havoc on stormy Spring Basho

Unpredictability reigns at Edion Arena Osaka so far, with the impact of February's wave of infections possibly affecting performances.

Sumo Mar 11, 2022

Osaka-style upset back on the table for Spring Basho

Starved of sumo for so long, it’s unlikely fans in Kansai will care whether we see dominance by the yokozuna as usual or a reclaiming of the basho’s stormy reputation.

Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Mar 9, 2022

Former amateur yokozuna Hidetora Hanada shifts gears toward NFL dream

The Nippon Sport Science University student impressed in a recent X League combine and will attempt to leave his mark on the gridiron before taking on the world of professional sumo.

Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Mar 2, 2022

Meet sumo's globe-trotting ambassador

Watts has been a prominent figure in sumo for over 30 years and since the 1990s has been a mainstay at World Championships, where she undertakes numerous roles.

Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Feb 16, 2022

Hope rises for return of sumo's regional tours as pandemic abates

Jungyō events between major tournaments are not only sources of revenue for the Japan Sumo Association, but also an important means of promoting the sport and recruiting new wrestlers.

Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Feb 9, 2022

Omicron threatens to extend sumo's two-year absence from Osaka

Losing the spring tournament would be a huge blow to the sport's birthplace, but the spread of COVID-19 within sumo is making it a possibility.

Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Feb 2, 2022

Sumo's off-months aren't so quiet, if you know where to look

Retirement ceremonies, ozeki and yokozuna promotions, JSA elections, TV variety show appearances and more all take place between honbasho.

Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Jan 26, 2022

Mitakeumi primed to shed ‘inconsistent’ image with historic ozeki promotion

Rather than solely benefiting from good timing and a weakened top division, Mitakeumi is arguably just now fulfilling the potential he has always had.

Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Jan 19, 2022

U.S. sumo fans get opportunity to see Japan's rising stars

Often considered de-facto world championship due to their high level of competition, the World Games give young talents a chance to shine ahead of their pro careers.