By far the biggest news in sumo this month has been a student at Japan’s most prestigious university entering the pro ranks.
Hotaka Suyama became the first ever ōzumo rikishi to hail from the University of Tokyo when he took the new entrant examination on April 15 and joined Kise stable.
While that particular school may have been unusual in this case, another collegiate wrestler joining the professional ranks is just part of a long-term change that has been taking place in Japan’s national sport over the past half century.