Japanese culture is rich and varied. Those who travel to Japan can experience the customs, rituals, and delicious food. In terms of Japanese culture, sumo is a martial art in which larger combatants wrestle as part of a sacred ritual. This is one of the most popular sports in Japan and for several centuries, its history was intertwined with that of Shintoism. If you go to Japan, you need to see what Japanese wrestling is really about! In this article, we’re looking at Japan’s ancestral sport, what it is, and where it fits in Japans rich and diverse culture. From the sumo wrestlers, known as a sumotori, to the ceremonies, you’ll learn about this popular discipline and the grand champions of it.








What is a Sumotori?
A sumotori needs to be large and capable of defeating their opponent in a gruelling fight. In Japan, the preferred term for a sumo wrestler is “rikishi”, which means “mister” and “strength”, showing their respect for the sacred combatant. Rikishi train from a young age in a heya, “stables” or “training quarters” where they also live. They’re used to eating food designed to gain weight. Most rikishi weight at least 22st but they can weigh as much as 34st, albeit while drastically reducing their life expectancy.
- Akashi Shiganosuke (1600-1649)
- Shiranui Dakuemon (1801-1854),
- Shiranui Kôemon (1825-1879)
- Jinmaku Kyûgorô (1829-1903)
- Kimenzan Tanigorô (1826-1871)
- Umegatani I Tôtarô (1845-1928)
- Tachiyama Mineemon (1877-1941)
- Tochigiyama Moriya (1892-1959)
- Tsunenohana Kan’ichi (1896-1960)
- Futabayama Sadaji (1912-1968)
- Tochinishiki Kiyotaka (1925-1990)
- Taihô Kôki (1940-2013)
- Wajima Hiroshi (1948-2018)
- Kitanoumi Toshimitsu (1953-2015)
- Chiyonofuji Mitsugu (1955-2016)
- Takanohana Kôji (1972-)
- Asashôryû Akinori (1980-)
- Hakuhô Shô (1985-)
- Kisenosato Yutaka (1986-)
Rikishi aren’t the most common type of athlete in Japan and there are only around 800 of them across all of Japan. Check out our article on Japanese weaponry.
Sumo Rules and Rituals
Rikishi fight in the dohyo which represents the heavens and is 6m². The match itself takes place in a 4m-diameter ring in the centre of the dohyo. There’s a ceiling hanging over the ring, making the arena a sanctuary and the match is dedicated to the gods.
- Basho: sumo tournament.
- Chiri-chozu: the ritual before a fight.
- Danpatsu-shiki: a farewell ceremony during which a rikishi’s hair is cut by their friends.
- Dohyo: the area of combat.
- Fusenpai: when a rikishi loses for not being present for the fight.
- Gaijin: a foreign rikishi, generally any combatant not born in Japan.
- Gunbai: a wooden fan used by the referee.
- Gyoji: the referee.
- Hanamichi: the paths to the dohyo that run from east to west.
- Heya: the organisation and training room for the rikishi.
- Hiiki: the supporters.
- Intai: a rikishi’s retirement.
- Jungyo: an exhibition match outside of sumo tournaments used to recruit new rikishi and show them to the public.
- Keiko: a rikishi’s training in the heya.
- Kimarite: one of 82 official sumo techniques.
- Kokugi: “national sport”, the term used to talk about sumo.
- Kokugikan: the main sumo stadium in Tokyo and home to the National Sumo Federation.
- Kyokai: the National Sumo Federation, also known as the Nihon Sumo Kyokai.
- Maetate-mitsu: the rikishi’s codpiece.
- Oshi-zumo: a combat style in which body weight is used to remove the opponent from the ring.
- Ozei: the grand champion after the yokuzuna and before the sekiwake.
- Rikishi: sumo wrestler.
- Sekiwake: the grand champion after the ozeki.
- Shingitai: the three principles of sumo, heart, body, and technique.
- Tachiai: the start of a match.
- Tsuppari: slapping the body or face with an open palm.
- Yokozuna: the grand champion. A title held until death.
- Yusho: the winner of a sumo tournament.
- Zensho-yusho: a tournament won without any defeats.
There are 6 main sumo tournaments each year: 3 in Tokyo, 1 in Osaka, 1 in Nagoya, and 1 in Fukuoka. Each rikishi fights once per day for 15 days and the combatant with the best win/loss ratio is the champion. At the end of the tournament, the rikishi receives the emperor’s trophy.
The Origins of Sumo
The history of sumo is intertwined with Japanese history: the first mention of sumo wrestling can be found in the Kojiki, a chronicle of Japanese history dating back to 712. According to legend, a sumo match decided who controlled the Japanese islands.
Sumo Throughout History
During the Nara Period (8th century), sumo wrestling was introduced to the imperial court and an annual festival was organised. There were several festivals in the Imperial Palace of Emperor Shomu. Thus, sumo was no longer an agricultural ritual but a ritual for peace and prosperity.