Konishiki went from rags to riches in colorful career
One of the most famous rikishi of all time was never promoted to the rank of yokozuna. That decision to deny Saleva'a Atisano'e (better known as Konishiki) the sport's top rank in the early 1990s almost caused a diplomatic incident and was certainly played up ...
Envisioning comparisons between sumo and rugby as RWC approaches
Sumo isn't the only show in town this September, as the world's third-largest sporting event comes to Asia for the first time ever. The 2019 Rugby World Cup kicks off just as the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament is coming to a close, meaning thousands of ...
Though sumo and song may not seem obvious bedfellows, Japan's national sport has musical connections both varied and historical. Jinku, a form of folk singing, is a common sight on provincial tours and at retirement ceremonies. Six wrestlers wearing kesho mawashi (highly decorated apron-like belts) take ...
The first thing that comes to mind when people think of sumo is the size of the participants. While the height of most wrestlers doesn't generally exceed that of athletes in many other sports, the weight, especially at the top level, is far greater. Offensive linemen ...
Sumo world attracts wide range of characters
Sumo is a monolith. Individual stables may exhibit variances in training and culture, but for the most part life for wrestlers is the same throughout the sport. Enter any stable early in the day and you will find training going on. Come back at ...
Newly minted ozeki Tochinoshin reaping rewards of fighting spirit
Yokozuna Kakuryu came from behind to win consecutive tournaments for the first time in his career on Sunday. It was the Mongolian's fifth title overall, drawing him level with well-known names such as Kashiwado, Kaio and Wakanohana III. After a dreadful 2017, when he only managed ...
Will SMS be the undoing of sumo’s latest foreign ‘star’?
Sumo has a new superstar. Or at least that is what the individual in question appears to be thinking at the moment! Brodik Henderson is his name. He is Canadian. And if the hype he is largely generating himself on Facebook is to be believed, ...
