The Osaka District Court on Tuesday rejected a group's claim that the presentation of a sumo prize by Osaka's male vice governor on behalf of Gov. Fusae Ota, who is not allowed to enter the ring because she is a woman, encourages sexism.
The court also rejected the group's demand that Ota return money the Osaka Prefectural Government spent on the prize, given to the winners of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka in 2003 and 2004, because the governor was unable to present it.
"The action does not actually encourage sexism, though there is room for discussion of the governor's responsibility as it is not a positive step toward realizing a society based on gender equality," presiding Judge Fumio Hirotani said in handing down the ruling. Hirotani, however, said there is "an element of sexism" in allowing only men to enter the sumo ring to present the award.
The judge also said the governor's decision to ask a vice governor to present the prize has a "certain rationality" because she has been trying to promote sports.