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John Gunning
Japan Times
SUMO / Rikishi Files
Nov 13, 2019
Asashoryu electrified sport with unorthodox style
Hakuho may be the greatest rikishi of all time, but for many fans he has never come close to his immediate predecessor in terms of excitement.
Japan Times
SUMO / Rikishi Files
Nov 12, 2019
Baruto overcame obstacles to become ozeki
In early 2004, two massive Estonians moved to Japan to join professional sumo.
Japan Times
SUMO / Rikishi Files
Nov 11, 2019
Hakuho's many accomplishments make him the greatest of all time
Sumo has been around in various forms for over 2,000 years.
Japan Times
SUMO / Rikishi Files
Nov 10, 2019
Former ozeki great Chiyotaikai rose up sumo ladder after turning life around at early age
To newer fans it may seem as if veteran Goeido has been an ozeki forever, but the Osaka native's five years at the rank is still less than half as long as former ozeki Chiyotaikai spent in sumo's second most prestigious spot.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Nov 7, 2019
Sumo injuries pose ever-present issues for wrestlers, rankings
Online sumo games have a small but loyal following.
Japan Times
SUMO
Nov 7, 2019
Emperor's Cup race looks wide open at Kyushu Basho
Although he retired a quarter century ago and made just 18 appearances for Nagoya Grampus Eight, Gary Lineker remains one of the names most closely associated with Japanese soccer among foreign fans.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Oct 30, 2019
Unpredictable banzuke adds flavor to sumo
For sports journalists based in Japan's capital, no reminders are needed to know the last of the three annual non-Tokyo tournaments is just around the corner.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Oct 23, 2019
Quest to capture 10 titles a tough challenge for current crop of star wrestlers
It's been over 15 years since Andre 3000 of seminal Atlanta rap group OutKast once asked — and answered — a pressing question: "What's cooler than being cool? Ice cold!"
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Oct 16, 2019
Slicker production needed for amateur sumo
Typhoon Hagibis raged across Japan last weekend leaving in its wake a trail of devastation both deep and wide-ranging.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Oct 9, 2019
Innovative club nurtures sumo's young talent
Komatsuryu Dojo, one of the oldest and most prestigious sumo clubs in Japan emerged triumphant at the 16th National Youngster Sumo Tournament, held at the Kokugikan in Tokyo on October 6th.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Oct 2, 2019
Naturalized Sokokurai fought for JSA return
One of the more interesting bits of news over the past month was the announcement that Arashio stable veteran Sokokurai had acquired Japanese nationality.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Sep 25, 2019
Injuries continue to impact sumo landscape
Sumo fans continue to be spoiled, with September serving up yet another incredible and dramatic tournament.
SUMO
Sep 22, 2019
Sumo 101: Restaurants run by former rikishi
Sumo stable life is communal.
Japan Times
SUMO
Sep 21, 2019
Sumo 101: Championship scores
One of the side effects of having Hakuho, the greatest rikishi of all time, succeed another legend in Asashoryu at the top of the sumo pile, is that fans in recent years have become accustomed to seeing dominant championship performances.
Japan Times
SUMO
Sep 20, 2019
Sumo 101: Imperial family and sumo
You don't have to look far in sumo to find links with Japan's imperial family.
Japan Times
SUMO
Sep 19, 2019
Sumo 101: New Otani hotels and sumo
Last Friday, several members of the Ireland rugby team, including Clan Healy and Rory Best, visited Isegahama stable to watch a training session.
Japan Times
SUMO
Sep 18, 2019
Sumo 101: 'Dragons'
There are many ways of classifying rikishi and discussing those groups' various merits.
Japan Times
SUMO
Sep 17, 2019
Sumo 101: Sumo on the silver screen
For an activity as visually fascinating as sumo, there are precious few movies about the sport.
Japan Times
SUMO
Sep 16, 2019
Sumo 101: Presentation of new recruits
Sumo is a world filled with ritual and costume.
Japan Times
SUMO
Sep 15, 2019
Sumo 101: Banzuke-gai
It's common knowledge that the written banzuke (ranking sheet) contains the name of every single wrestler in professional sumo, from the yokozuna at the top right on down to those at the very bottom of the lowest (jonokuchi) division.

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