Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Jul 8, 2020
Sumo's unique kanreki ceremonies provide windows into past
by John Gunning
It’s looking increasingly likely that it could be December (or even 2021) before Isegahama will be able to don the red rope.
Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Jun 17, 2020
Gaming world remains land of untapped potential for sumo
by John Gunning
Putting a sport in front of the eyeballs of the younger generation guarantees much higher rates of engagement and participation at all levels.
Sumo Mar 18, 2020
Akinoshima had decorated career as part of sumo's dominant stable
by John Gunning
Yesterday's Rikishi File was a profile of Kotonishiki — a former sekiwake who is second all-time in the number of special prizes won, with 18. The man who sits atop that particular list was one of Kotonishiki's great rivals, Akinoshima. A native of Hiroshima, Akinoshima's combined ...
Sumo Mar 17, 2020
Kotonishiki experienced historic success without reaching ozeki
by John Gunning
Of the four ranks in sumo's top division, komusubi is the one at which a rikishi is least likely to win a championship. Since the advent of the six-tournament system in 1958, yokozuna have lifted the Emperor's Cup on 294 occasions, ozeki have won 84 ...
National / Media | BIG IN JAPAN Jan 18, 2020
Japan's news outlets take one step backward before moving forward
by Mark Schreiber
Before going forward into the new year, an extra edition of Shukan Shincho (with a Jan. 27 publication date) flashed back in time to track down author Ben Goto. Now a spry 89 years old, Goto achieved instant fame with a 1973 publication titled ...
Sumo | Rikishi Files Jan 17, 2020
Former yokozuna Kitanoumi was imposing figure in sumo
by John Gunning
Intimidation factor is something that cannot be discounted when it comes to finding reasons for success in sumo. Some of the greatest yokozuna of all time struck such fear into their opponents that many bouts seemed decided before they even stepped into the ring. For an ...
Sumo | Rikishi Files Nov 17, 2019
Muscular Chiyonofuji's career bloomed late
by John Gunning
For a certain generation of fans there is only one name that comes to mind when discussing the greatest of all time and that name is Chiyonofuji. The muscular yokozuna dominated inside the ring and won hearts outside it during the 1980s. Known as "the Wolf," ...
National | Heisei Icons Apr 4, 2019
Takanohana: The nail that sumo pounded down
by John Gunning
In sumo's 2,000-year history, few men have been as steeped in the sport's traditions as Koji Hanada.
Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Mar 27, 2019
Dominant Hakuho continues to redefine greatness
by John Gunning
Sumo columnist James Hardy once bemoaned the difficulty of doing daily tournament reports, saying, "There are only so many ways to write A pushed out B." With yokozuna Hakuho wrapping up his 42nd championship last Sunday, I'm beginning to feel the same way about describing ...
Sumo Mar 19, 2019
by John Gunning
Normally, brothers in sumo can't fight one another. The only way siblings can meet on the dohyo is in a playoff for the championship. That has happened just once; in November 1995 when Wakanohana defeated younger brother Takanohana to win his second Emperor's Cup. The Hanada family ...
National / Media | MEDIA MIX Dec 29, 2018
Heisei Era a bumpy ride for Japan's media organizations
by Philip Brasor
The media is busy assessing the Heisei Era as it comes to a close. Although not as dramatic as the Showa Era, it's been a bumpy ride. Japan still hasn't gotten the hang of this democracy thing, and an engaged, objective press is essential ...
Sumo Dec 25, 2018
The violence and scandals that have plagued Japan's sumo world came full circle just after the year's sixth and final tournament, leaving maiden victories by the sport's young up-and-comers in the shadows. Revelations of violence, harassment and antiquated traditions dogged the country's once-venerable sport in ...