Sumo Wrestling in Japan

Traditional sumo wrestling is the national sport of Japan, and first started as a way of performing for the gods of Shinto, the country’s indigenous religion.

Two competitors face off across a ring known as a dohyo, covered in sand. The rules are simple: He who is pushed out of the ring first or touches the ground with anything aside from his feet loses.

And it is always “he” in sumo. Only men are allowed to compete professionally in the sport. Another interesting point is there are no weight classes, so many fighters strive to put on as much weight as possible. One of the most famous dishes beloved of sumo wrestlers is chanko nabe, a kind of hot pot that comes in a variety of different flavors.

When it comes to watching the sport, it is quite difficult. There are only a few tournaments per year, with three in Tokyo and one in Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka respectively. These are the best places to see sumo, although there are some exhibition events around the country at different points throughout the year.

You can also visit sumo training camps, known as stables, to watch wrestlers prepare for tournaments. The Ryogoku district in Tokyo is known as a center of sumo.