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SUMO
Jul 18, 2019

Sumo 101: Tsukebito

Sumo is a life built around the carrot and stick approach.
SUMO
Jul 8, 2019

Sumo 101: Charismatic rikishi

One of sumo's most defining features is the stoicism of its wrestlers.
SUMO
Jan 27, 2019

Sumo 101: Special prizes

The Emperor's Cup isn't the only prize awarded on the final day of a sumo tournament.
SUMO
Jan 22, 2019

Sumo 101: Keshō-mawashi

One of the first orders of business for a rikishi promoted to sumo's second-highest division (jūryō) is getting a keshō-mawashi (ceremonial apron-style belt).
Japan Times
SUMO
Jan 19, 2019

Sumo 101: Championship portraits

One of the most striking features of Ryogoku Kokugikan is the ring of giant portraits hanging from the rafters.
SUMO
Nov 15, 2018

Sumo 101: Shitakubeya (dressing rooms)

Whether in the Kokugikan in Tokyo, or at one of the regional tournaments in Osaka, Nagoya or Fukuoka, sumo wrestlers warm up and prepare for their bouts in dressing rooms called shitakubeya.
Japan Times
JAPAN / AT A GLANCE
Aug 31, 2014

Glimpses of Ryogoku, Japan's sumo wrestling mecca

Home to the Kokugikan sumo stadium, Tokyo's Ryogoku district in Sumida Ward has long been known as the mecca of the sport.
Masuiyama competes during a tournament in Tokyo in May 1980.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jun 18, 2025

Music star Masuiyama, a former ōzeki who died Sunday at 76, blazed unique trail

Masuiyama was unique in the world of sumo in that he gained as much fame — if not more — for what he did outside of the ring.
With IG Arena getting glowing early reviews as the Nagoya Basho’s replacement venue, it may be a while before fans wax nostalgic about the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium.
SUMO / Inside Sumo
Jul 9, 2025

New IG Arena set to dial down temperature at Nagoya Basho, in a good way

Modern cooling infrastructure will likely have few sumo fans wishing for a return to the hot and muggy Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium.
Takerufuji, the most recent Emperor’s Cup winner apart from Terunofuji and Onosato, claimed the second-tier title in September in his first full tournament back from injury after a six-month absence.
SUMO
Oct 2, 2024

Who can challenge Onosato's dominance? Takerufuji might be the best bet.

Onosato is sumo's new dominant force, but Takerufuji might have something to say about that as he works his way back from injury.
Otake <i>oyakata</i> and his wrestlers at Otake stable in April 2018
SUMO / Inside Sumo
Aug 6, 2025

Fresh start for stable founded by legendary yokozuna Taiho

In a historically significant move, the Otake sumo stable will be taken over by someone without a direct connection to its founder.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Dec 6, 2023

Wild 2023 the storm before the calm for Japan’s national sport

The sport finished on a high this year, setting up enticing possibilities for 2024 as several potential stars emerge.
Stablemaster Oshima (left) congratulates Kyokushuzan on his promotion to the the jūryō division in 1995.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Oct 23, 2024

Former ozeki Asahikuni, also a trailblazing stablemaster, dies at age 77

In 1992, the stablemaster recruited six young Mongolian men into his stable, creating a lasting connection between sumo and the central Asian nation.
Kazuki Paul Tsuyukusa with his dog Sunny in Fukuoka
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Sep 9, 2023

Kazuki Paul Tsuyukusa: 'It’s better to live without being noticed everywhere.’

A former rikishi, Kazuki Paul Tsuyukusa has swapped his sumo stable for the life of a salaryman.
Onosato (right) defeats Terunofuji at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on May 12. While nothing in sumo is guaranteed, it seems almost inevitable that Onosato is destined for the top of the sport's pyramid.
SUMO
May 15, 2024

Was Onosato's defeat of Terunofuji an era-defining bout?

It would be premature to dismiss Onosato’s win as the product of circumstance, or downplay its significance.
Former sekiwake Toyonoshima and Airi Hisano train at Tachihi Sumo Club on May 1.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 7, 2025

Former sekiwake Toyonoshima is new head coach at innovative women’s club

Detailing how she struggled with injury over the past few years, Airi Hisano said she had considered retirement before being approached to join the club.
Yokozuna Terunofuji enters the ring at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo earlier this month during what would be his final tournament.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jan 22, 2025

Terunofuji’s career was unique — and great

Most yokozuna are evaluated based on wins and Emperor's Cup titles. But Terunofuji's great career wasn't quantifiable by numbers alone.

Longform

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