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SUMO
Jul 8, 2022

Yokozuna Terunofuji eager to put on show for fans in Nagoya

Terunofuji is the frontrunner in Nagoya, and it'd be no surprise if he finished the fortnight's action with another title under his belt.
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
Nov 12, 2021

Yokozuna Terunofuji heading into Kyushu Basho with no equal in sight

With Hakuho retired, the Isegahama stable man has a golden chance to cement his own legacy.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Nov 3, 2021

One big name notably absent in November ranking of sumo wrestlers

For the first time in 14 years, the name of legend Hakuho Sho doesn't head up one side or the other of the banzuke's top row.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Oct 27, 2021

Topknot-cutting ceremonies allow fans to participate in sumo history

With retirement ceremonies likely to resume in 2022, fans will have a chance to help send off a number of top wrestlers including former yokozuna Hakuho.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Sep 22, 2021

Uneventful Autumn Basho hints at sumo's slowing momentum

A growing lack of excitement toward the ongoing grand tournament is something sumo officials will want to take note of as they continue to guide the sport through the coronavirus pandemic.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 19, 2021

Busting myths: Sumo grapples with persistent urban legends

From exaggerated depictions in popular media to unverified internet rumors, many aspects of the sport and its traditions remain far from understood by the public at large.
SUMO
May 7, 2021

Comeback king Terunofuji poised to reach even greater heights

With Hakuho out and Kakuryu retired, Terunofuji will go into every fight over the next basho or two as the favorite and has a genuine shot at a future promotion to yokozuna.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 14, 2021

Takakeisho rises to top of sumo's depth chart

With age and momentum on his side, the burly ozeki has what it takes to add to his two Emperor's Cup titles over the next several years.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Feb 3, 2021

Interesting facts about sumo's 13 living former yokozuna

With the passing of Tochinoumi on Jan. 29 there are now just 15 surviving active or retired yokozuna.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Dec 23, 2020

Hidden gems await fans who dig deep into sumo's lower divisions

The sport's second and third ranks offer a chance to see both rising stars and wily veterans engaged in the sort of exciting bouts that are sometimes rare in the top level.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Dec 9, 2020

NSSU freshman Hidetora Hanada emerges to claim amateur yokozuna title

The Nippon Sports Science University student overcame a talent-studded field at Sunday's All Japan Sumo Championships, the country's top amateur sumo tournament.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Nov 25, 2020

Takakeisho's rise, Terunofuji's rebound? Thrills await fans in 2021

Professional sumo closed out the thrill ride that was 2020 with one final flourish.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Sep 23, 2020

Sumo experiencing extreme period of parity in final stages of Hakuho's legendary reign

With four former ozeki and an incredible ten wrestlers with championship experience still active in the top division, sumo is the very definition of parity right now.
SUMO
Sep 5, 2019

Emperor's Cup up for grabs at Autumn Basho

Since the beginning of 2018, sumo fans have been spoiled for entertainment with one dramatic event after another hitting the sport.
SUMO / SUMO SCRIBBLINGS
Sep 10, 2013

Is sumo’s lost decade finally coming to an end?

Many long-time sumo fans trace the origins of the decline of sumo in the modern era back to a decision made in January 2003 by Takanohana to call it quits and hang up his mawashi.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET
Feb 15, 2011

Osaka: What are your thoughts on the decision to cancel the Osaka sumo tournament due to the match-fixing scandal?

Atsuko Fujimoto
SUMO / SUMO SCRIBBLINGS
Apr 15, 2008

How hard should it be to get a ticket to see sumo?

Earlier this year, Kokonoe Oyakata, former yokozuna Chiyonofuji, was appointed head of the Nihon Sumo Kyokai's (NSK) Public Relations Department.
SUMO
Oct 14, 2006

Haircuts, sumo stars and amateurs in Osaka

Autumn is a time of change for the Japanese. Summer clothes are put away and sightings of thicker, woollier garments become increasingly common. The mercury encounters a daily struggle to stay first above 20 degrees then above 10, and the country collectively takes its foot off the pedal.
SUMO / Basho reports
May 12, 2023

Terunofuji set for return to dominance at Summer Basho if knee holds up

The 31-year-old has missed the entirety of the last three tournaments after a flare-up of chronic knee issues forced him to withdraw midway through the September meet.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Dec 8, 2022

Wrestlers with amateur backgrounds becoming new normal in sumo

These days elite top-tier wrestlers without an amateur background are an increasingly scarce sight.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 21, 2021

Controversial report could deny Hakuho deserved elder stock

Should the Japan Sumo Association adopt the recommendations of the external advisors, the all-time great yokozuna would be prevented from using his ring name after retiring.
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
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
Mar 5, 2020

Health risks in spotlight as Spring Basho nears start

The Japan Sumo Association is proceeding with the upcoming Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, but has decided, in light of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, that it will be held behind closed doors.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Aug 7, 2019

Kids tournaments provide much more than just recruiting grounds

You can become a professional sumo wrestler at 15 years old.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 17, 2019

Peerless Anna Zhigalova dominates women's sumo

Hakuho's undefeated run in Osaka last month gave the yokozuna a 15th perfect championship and 42nd title overall.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jan 2, 2019

Scandals allowing sumo to ID, rid sport of bad elements

It's that time once again to make predictions, and state hopes and wishes for the year ahead in sumo.

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