One of the most well-known staples in Japanese culture is sumo wrestling. The culture surrounding sumo is so specific and different from modern practices that, to many, it may feel irrelevant. However, sumo’s deep history and importance, combined with the artistry and philosophy it encompasses, are worth learning about today.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Banzuke | Official rankings in sumo |
| Chirichozu | Hand clapping |
| Dohyo | Clay platform and embedded rice straw bales that make up a sumo wrestling ring |
| Dohyo Matsuri | Ritual offerings and prayers to consecrate newly-constructed rings |
| Honbasho | Grand Tournament |
| Mawashi | Loincloth |
| Rikishi | Official name for sumo wrestlers |
| Shikiri | Pre-physical-fight psychological staredown |
| Shimekomi | Silk mawashi |
| Shiomaki | Salt spreading |
| Sonkyo | Crouching |
| Sumōtori, Osumōsan | More colloquial names for sumo wrestlers |
| Tachiai | Synchronised breathing |
| Torikumi | Grappling when rikeshi grab each other's belts |
| Tsuna | Ceremonial belt worn by yokozuna made of twisted cloth |
| Yokozuna | Grand champion of sumo |
The Origins and History of Sumo Wrestling
Sumo is one of the oldest continuous sports in the world. The sport has evolved much over the centuries, developing very specific and comprehensive rules, rites, and traditions both in and out of the ring.
Where and When Did Sumo Wrestling Start?
Sumo’s roots go back more than 1,500 years, to the ancient Shinto culture in Japan. Though the specific details have been lost to antiquity, there are a few theories about sumo wrestling origin.
Most accounts say sumo began as a ritual dance in Shinto farming traditions, meant to entertain the gods and ensure a good harvest.
Other sources cite the legendary 1st-century historical figure Nomi no Sukune, who defeated a boastful Kuehaya of Taima in a fight believed to be the first ever sumo match.
Another popular record, found in the ancient text Kojiki, describes a contest of strength between two gods, Takemikazuchi and Takeminakata. The fight is considered by many to be the first account of sumo.
Another theory is that the sport began as a form of entertainment for emperors and actually involved semi-nude female servants wrestling in the 5th century.
No matter the beginnings, sumo quickly took on an important role in Japanese culture. There is some evidence that sumo may have been a form of political engagement, with matches being used to determine land ownership.
Sumo wrestling originated in Japan about 1,500-2,000 years ago. Though the exact origins are disputed, they are rooted in ancient Shinto traditions.
By the Edo period (1603–1868), sumo was a highly popular form of organised sports entertainment with standards and rules that drew large crowds and hefty bets. Wrestlers gained influence and status for their performances. It was especially popular as entertainment among emperors in imperial courts.
Certain principles of sumo were even used in samurai hand-to-hand martial arts techniques, which eventually evolved into jiujutsu.
Sumo Wrestling Facts and Milestones
Sumo has changed drastically since its early days, no matter the origin story. Over its history, the pastime has evolved from a small harvest ritual or entertainment activity into a serious professional sport.
Here’s a brief timeline of the main highlights of sumo history:
29 BCE - 70 CE
Nomi no Sukune
During his lifetime, Sukune is said to have defeated Kuehaya of Taima in the first sumo match. It may be a fictionalised tale to explain the rise of Sukune as the real-life founder of the Haji Clan.
711-712
Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters)
The Kojiki describes a contest of strength between two gods, which may be referring to a sumo match, implying sumo was already a well-known sport at the time.
794 to 1185
Heian Period Records Describe Sumo
Various records from this time period describe sumo as a common and important part of imperial rituals, ceremonies and meetings. Commoners held their own sumo matches as an important harvest ceremony and to invite good fortune and fertility.
16th Century
Sumo for Fundraising
Shrines and temples held sumo matches to raise funds.
17th Century
Street Fighting & Sumo Bans
Individuals also began holding for-profit matches. Without official rules or regulations, these matches often became belligerent and destructive to social order. The Tokugawa government of the Edo Period banned sumo for a number of years (though illegal underground matches continued).
1684
Sumo is Reinstated
Sumo was re-permitted (still under Edo) as a charity event at Shinto shrines, and an official sumo organisation was formed. The first sanctioned sumo tournament took place at the Tomioka Hachiman Shrine. It then became more widespread as a form of entertainment in the working class. Regulations like the dohyo (ring) and ranks began forming.
1909
First National Stadium Opens
Women, who had been traditionally barred from attending ritual sumo for being “impure,” were allowed to spectate.
1920s
All-Japan Grand Sumo Association
The first major regulatory body, which would eventually become the Japan Sumo Association, was formed.
1993
First non-Japanese Yokozuna
Hawaiian-born ōzeki Akebono became the first foreigner to earn the highest title. Before then, many considered foreigners unable to embody sumo well enough for the title, and they were excluded. Since then, many foreigners have earned yokozuna status.
1997
First National Championship for Amateur Women’s Sumo
Women are allowed to wear a wrestling singlet under the mawashi.
The Life of a Sumo Wrestler
Like any pro sport, sumo athletes require dedicated, rigorous training for many years to have any hope of success. In the top professional leagues in Japan, many rikishi begin training as young as age 15, and spend each day living a lifestyle that facilitates developing the necessary physical and mental strength and conditioning.
Training and Daily Routine
Beginning at age 15-22, rikishi live in a heya (stable), where they train and follow a shared routine under a stablemaster. Life in the stable is strict and structured, similar to many other traditional Japanese cultural practices, such as geisha.
The rikishi begin training early in the morning, often before sunrise. Together, they perform drills and callisthenics to build balance and strength. They also spar and train with practice bouts to simulate real matches. Practice lasts for hours each day.
Rikishi usually eat as many as 7,000 calories per day to maintain their strong and heavy physique. The most common dish is chanko-nabe, a stew with meat, fish, tofu, and vegetables, providing all the necessary protein and other nutrients. Athletes usually eat two large meals per day between stretching, sparring, strength training, and chores.
This training routine is usually followed year-round at the stable, with special adjustments before each tournament.
Sumo Wrestler Weight and Size
Since there is no weight division in sumo, unlike other types of wrestling, it’s usually to the advantage of the rikishi to weigh as much as they can. Though slimmer sumotori are not necessarily at a disadvantage, since each wrestler develops their own technique that plays to their unique strengths.
About 330 pounds
About 600 pounds
Weight helps with stability and power in the dohyo since a heavier rikishi is harder to push or throw out. A bigger body mass can also generate a more powerful force during offensive attacks.
Weight alone is not enough to guarantee success. Rikishi use speed, timing, evasion and flipping techniques to overcome opponents.
Though there aren’t official weight classes, rikishi-in-training are expected to meet certain height and weight requirements as they grow from children to adults. Generally, expectations are that one must be at least 167 cm tall and weigh 67 kilograms or more to become a rikishi; however, these restrictions have recently been eased to draw in more athletes. The more important factor these days is passing a physical fitness test.
Traditions and Rituals in Sumo Wrestling
Sumo is deeply tied to Japanese culture and traditions, especially ancient Shinto customs. Modern sumo practices are performed with honour and ritual in mind. Everything from the rikishi’s and referee’s attire, to the ring, to the opening ceremonies all have an important and specific purpose.
What Do Sumo Wrestlers Wear?
Sumo attire is highly intentional and traditional. Each part of a rikishi’s attire serves a purpose.
Mawashi
The iconic loincloth worn by rikishi in the ring is called mawashi. Lower-ranked rikishi (Jonokuchi, Jonidan, Sandanme, and Makushita) wear ones made of simple cotton cloth, while high-ranking wrestlers wear silk ones (called shimekomi), sometimes with string embellishments called sagari. Opponents may grab the sides and back of the mawashi during matches.
Ancient custom dictates that wrestlers should wear as little clothing as possible to prove they aren’t cheating or hiding anything up their sleeves. They intended to prove their honour and integrity to their opponents, referees, spectators, and the gods.
Kesho-Mawashi
These decorative aprons are made of silk and adorned with intricate designs (or sponsorships). They are worn during special ceremonies, such as the ring-entering ceremony. Only the highest-ranking rikishi are allowed to wear keshomawashi.
Chonmage and Oichomage
The distinct topknot hairstyle worn by rikishi stems from ancient Japanese customs. Topknots were used as a practical way to help keep helmets secured to a warrior or samurai’s head. Some wrestlers even shave the crown of their heads as per tradition and to make the topknot easier to shape.
The fancier style, oichomage, is named after the fan-shaped leaves of the ginkgo tree. Only highly-ranked wrestlers (sekitori) may wear this style.
Why Do Sumo Wrestlers Throw Salt?
Salt-throwing (shiomaki) is one of the flashier rituals in sumo. Before a match, each wrestler tosses salt into the ring to purify the space. According to Shinto beliefs, the salt removes evil and protects the wrestlers from harm.
Other rituals surrounding sumo include:
Rikishi stomp their feet as a way to completely drive out any lingering evil spirits.
Wrestlers clap their hands to draw the gods’ attention. The wrestler’s raised arms show they are completely unarmed and ready for a fair fight.
The intense staredown rikishi engage in before the physical portion of the fight begins. It’s a form of psychological preparation and intimidation, but also connection, as the wrestlers synchronise their breaths.
Gyoji (referees) wear traditional kimonos in the style of samurai in the Kamakura Period (12th-14th centuries). Their gauze hats represent traditional Shinto priests’ hats. The gyoji’s fan tassels and footwear indicate rank.
Before the tournament starts, gyoji act as Shinto priests. They bury offerings of rice, seaweed, dried cuttlefish, salt, and chestnuts into a small hole in the centre of the ring. The gyoji pray for the rikishi’s safety and for a successful tournament.
Wrestlers enter from East to West.
These actions reinforce the sacred nature of the ring. They also connect modern sumo to its ancient origins. Finally, they act as a way to amp up the energy of the audience and the participants.
The Structure and Hierarchy of Sumo Wrestling
Like much of Japanese culture, rank and hierarchy in sumo are very important. Wrestlers are ranked professionally based on their career achievements, including wins and overall performance. There are many different levels to the ladder of hierarchy in sumo.
Sumo Divisions and Rankings
Like many other Japanese martial arts, sumo has a defined ranking system. Banzuke is the ranking system in sumo, and there are several divisions within.
There are three main distinctions to know in the banzuke:
- East-West division
- Lower-higher division
- Ranks in the higher division
Each wrestler is assigned an East or West position before each Grand Tournament. Easterly rikishi are considered slightly more skilled than Westerly ones.
The six main divisions encompass all rikeshi, from brand-new wrestlers to the highest-ranked champions. Wrestlers make their way up one division at a time:
- Jonokuchi: Reserved for new trainees and champions who lose status due to prolonged injury.
- Jonidan: Jonidan is the largest division with about 200-250 unsalaried wrestlers.
- Sandanme: Sandanme are considered a wrestler's first big break.
- Makushita: Makushita compete in only 7 matches per tournament.
- Juryo: This division can only have 28 wrestlers.
- Makuuchi: Can only have 42 wrestlers in the whole division.
Makushita are considered trainees and can earn money from tournaments. Wrestlers ranked Juryo and above are considered professionals, or sekitori, and are given a monthly salary in addition to tournament winnings.
Within the makuuchi division lie five sub-divisions. The top two tiers are the best-of-the-best, with the highest title being very rare; only 75 sumo have ever earned it since 1789. These divisions are:
- Maegashira: The majority of wrestlers in the top tier are Maegashira.
- Komusubi and Sekiwake: Senior ranks below the highest title. They are grouped in their own subdivision called sanyaku.
- Ozeki: The highest rank most rikishi will ever reach.
- Yokozuna: The highest rank. Yokozuna must show utmost skill and dignity. It is only granted based on merit, rather than pure performance.
Each annual tournament influences the rankings. Those who win matches move up in rank, while those who lose move down.
The ranks are meticulously recorded by the gyoji, who write each rikishi’s name and rank on an official document (also called banzuke).
They use a special script called Negishi lettering and arrange the names precisely according to their ranks.
Colours in Sumo Attire
Ranks determine what colours and materials a rikishi is permitted to wear during training and at tournaments. Those ranked below makuuchi-level must wear black cotton mawashi during training and official tournaments. Sekitori may wear white (but not pure white!) mawashi during training to distinguish them from the lower ranks.
Makuuchi can wear shimekomi in different colours. The specific colours are up to each rikishi’s personal taste. Usually, they will choose a colour with personal significance, or that is associated with a different boon, such as luck or protection.
About $10,000 USD
The only rikishi who may wear pure white are yokozuna, who are given tsuna to display their status. This is a belt made of twisted cloth made by the rikishi’s stablemates. In all, it may weigh as much as 11.3 to 18 kgs (25-40 lbs). The “lightning bolt” cloth adornments (shide) reflect Shinto symbols for sacred areas.
Prominent Sumo Wrestlers
Only the very best sumo wrestlers achieve the highest rank of yokozuna. The title has existed since at least the 17th century, but official records only started in 1789. Since then, only 75 wrestlers have ever earned the title.
To achieve yokozuna status, rikishi generally need to demonstrate consistent wins as well as the tenets of sumo, including power, skill and dignity.
Winning the championship does not automatically grant the title, and some rikishi earn yokozuna without winning championships; the rules are not set in stone.
Yes. Yokozuna is not an exclusive title, so many wrestlers can hold the rank at the same time, though it’s rather unusual. There are also times when there are no active yokozuna, since it’s a title that they retire when they leave the sport.
Of the 75 yokozuna in history, a few stand out as especially prominent characters.
Taiho Koki set the record as the youngest yokozuna in 1961 at just 21. Between 1968 and 1969, he won a record 45 consecutive matches. In 2009, he became the first rikishi to be awarded the Person of Cultural Merit honour from the Japanese government.
Chiyonofuji Mitsugu, dubbed “the Wolf,” was known for his compact, muscular build, which brought a new style to sumo. His small stature (179cm and 126kg) set him apart from other rikishi. Though he faced difficulties early in his career, he managed many of his best successes in his thirties, which is all but unheard of in sumo.
Over his career, Hakuho Sho garnered more than 1,000 wins. Despite persistent knee injuries that prevented him from competing in the years leading up to retirement, Hakuho secured more titles, wins, and perfect championships than any other rikishi.
Sumo is an intriguing sport full of exciting action and deep, niche nuance, even if it doesn't use any traditional Japanese weapons. Fans love diving into the depths of the rituals and traditions, as well as getting to know each rikishi’s fighting style and analysing each match. If you become koukakuka, you’ll always have something new to enjoy!
References
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- Carlson, Michael. “Taiho.” The Guardian, 27 January 2013. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/jan/27/taiho. Accessed 19 May 2026.
- Gunning, John. “Muscular Chiyonofuji’s Career Bloomed Late.” The Japan Times, 17 November 2019. Available at: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/11/17/sumo/muscular-chiyonofujis-career-bloomed-late/. Accessed 19 May 2026.
- “Hakuho: Sumo wrestling’s greatest champion retires.” BBC News, 27 September 2021. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58705596. Accessed 19 May 2026.
- H, Bruce. “Preparing the Rope.” Tachiai, 25 January 2017. Available at: https://tachiai.org/2017/01/25/preparing-the-rope/. Accessed 19 May 2026.
- Jorgensen, Sara C., PhD. “Sumo.” EBSCO Research Starters: Sports and Leisure, 2022. Available at: https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/sports-and-leisure/sumo. Accessed 19 May 2026.
- Morgan, Amber. “Sumo Wrestling Photos.” All That’s Interesting, 17 November 2024. Available at:
https://allthatsinteresting.com/sumo-wrestling-photos. Accessed 19 May 2026. - “Nomi no Sukune.” History of Japan. Available at: https://historyofjapan.co.uk/wiki/nomi-no-sukune/. Accessed 19 May 2026.
- Sumo Introduction. Japan Sumo Association. Available at: https://www.sumo.or.jp/pdf/en/sumo_introduction.pdf. Accessed 19 May 2026.
- Tengu. “The Surprising Origins of Japanese Martial Arts.” YouTube, 20 June 2022, Available at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1ts6gZRiU0. Accessed 19 May 2026.
- “The Chonmage: Japan’s Traditional Topknot.” Nippon.com, 27 January 2026. Available at: https://www.nippon.com/en/guide-to-japan/cs00062/. Accessed 19 May 2026.
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