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SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Mar 15, 2023

Pressure back on JSA to reconnect with fans as pandemic ends

After nearly three years of restrictions, there are plenty of ways for sumo officials to widen the sport's audience both domestically and globally.
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
Dec 30, 2020

Plenty to unpack after eventful, unforgettable year in sumo

Sumo somehow managed to keep going and provided much-needed distraction in a tough year.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Sep 2, 2020

Let's address the elephant in the sumo ring

Weight loss is common after leaving the raised ring, but a lack of support from stables leaves wrestlers vulnerable against obesity and other serious health issues.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Mar 5, 2020

Legend Byamba deserves lot of credit for raising global profile of sumo

The sumo world lost a legend on Feb. 28 with the passing of Byambajav Ulambayaryn.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Dec 18, 2019

Hakuho more than deserving of special elder status

When you think of sumo, what's the first word that comes to mind?
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Aug 8, 2018

Entering sumo world not something to be taken lightly

In lifting the Emperor's Cup last month, Mitakeumi became the fourth Japanese wrestler to win a championship in the past two years.
Japan Times
SUMO
Apr 19, 2009

Hakuho remains student of sumo despite success

Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho says his style of sumo is nothing special.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 12, 2009

Nation grapples with pot-smoking sumo wrestlers

Sumo wrestlers with pot bellies, yes. Sumo wrestlers with pot? Now that's harder to grapple with.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE ZEIT GIST
Sep 4, 2007

The scapegoating of Asa

The Japan Sumo Association has recently tag-teamed with the Japanese media to lay into Asashoryu, the Mongolian sumo champ who has all but dominated the sport for the past few years.
MORE SPORTS
Feb 12, 2000

The life and times of a sumo giant

Continuing The Japan Times' exclusive interview with yokozuna Akebono, 30, in which he talks about his life and relationships in sumo.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 24, 2023

Ex-ozeki Tochinoshin's retirement a heavy blow for European sumo

In addition to being a fan favorite and a well-liked rikishi inside the sport, Tochinoshin’s presence ensured sumo’s continued popularity in the Caucasus region.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 26, 2023

New generation could rekindle ozeki rank's missing spark

With a history of engaging and charismatic wrestlers, sumo's second-highest rank often draws a greater response from fans than the stoicism demanded from yokozuna.
SUMO
Jan 6, 2023

Takakeisho enters New Year Basho with golden opportunity

The first professional sumo tournament of the year gets underway at the Kokugikan in Tokyo this weekend.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Dec 14, 2022

High school hopefuls make leap into professional sumo

While university graduates have dominated headlines at recent tournaments, just one of eight new wrestlers entering the sport ahead of the New Year Basho boasts a college background.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Sep 28, 2022

'Ironman' Tamawashi gets his due with second Emperor's Cup

The 37-year-old's victory was the feel-good story of the the Autumn Basho, but the sport's immediate future remains in flux as young wrestlers struggle to perform consistently.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Aug 3, 2022

Former yokozuna Hakuho faces new challenges as Miyagino stablemaster

Sumo's greatest-ever grand champion is now in charge of his own beya, but whether he will be able to rise through the complicated hierarchy of the Japan Sumo Association is an open question.
SUMO
Jul 1, 2021

Nagoya Basho could have significant impact on sport

Sumo lovers in central Japan will see their sport return with a bang, as the upcoming tournament is primed to be one of the most significant in recent memory.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Mar 25, 2021

Yokozuna Kakuryu had serene journey through sumo’s often treacherous straits

Kakuryu's nature never allowed him to play the black hat role, and his style of sumo, and gradual ascent to the top, also meant that he flew under the radar for many.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Mar 17, 2021

Fall of Azumazeki stable represents tragic loss for professional sumo

Established in 1986 by former sekiwake Takamiyama, Azumazeki was the first heya in history to be run by a foreign-born stablemaster.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Sep 30, 2020

JSA pulls off another successful tournament in COVID-19 era

After managing a second basho with fans at Ryogoku Kokugikan, the Japan Sumo Association still faces a number of challenges going forward.
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
Oct 2, 2019

Naturalized Sokokurai fought for JSA return

One of the more interesting bits of news over the past month was the announcement that Arashio stable veteran Sokokurai had acquired Japanese nationality.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Sep 25, 2019

Injuries continue to impact sumo landscape

Sumo fans continue to be spoiled, with September serving up yet another incredible and dramatic tournament.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Aug 1, 2018

Grueling summer tours offer mixed blessing for sumo

Sumo's summer regional tour is already under way, snaking around Lake Biwa and across central Japan towards the Kanto region.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 2, 2018

Ancient banzuke adds human touch to sumo

"I can't do this for 10 years. I want to have a normal job. I want to live in a normal house. I want to eat normal food. I want to live a normal life."
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 18, 2018

Family legacy weighs heavily on young sumo prospects

Jigjidiin Monkhbat, the father of yokozuna Hakuho, passed away recently. A legendary figure in Mongolian wrestling, the six-time Naadam festival champion was also a silver medalist at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City.
SUMO / SUMO SCRIBBLINGS
Feb 28, 2014

Another nail in the coffin of amateur sumo

Sumo currently exists in two forms around the world. Most famous, of course, is the Tokyo-based professional sport led by yokozuna Hakuho, et al. However, the amateur version, often termed “amasumo” in abbreviated form, is of interest to many in nations that lack direct access to Japanese broadcasts....

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