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John Gunning
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jul 19, 2023
Amateur sumo star embarks on journey made for Hollywood with NCAA football move
Hidetora Hanada will be joining the Colorado State Rams, marking another huge step in what has been a whirlwind 16 months for the university sumo superstar.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jul 12, 2023
Nagoya Basho roars back with early thrills and rocking atmosphere
With Terunofuji out, various promotion challenges figure to monopolize the headlines over the next 10 days.
Japan Times
SUMO
Jul 7, 2023
Terunofuji looking to take another step toward rarefied status at Nagoya Basho
One of the most highly anticipated grand sumo tournaments of recent times gets underway at the Dolphins Arena in Nagoya on Sunday.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jul 5, 2023
Heat is on for most anticipated Nagoya tournament in years
High temperatures combined with oppressive humidity and constant thunderstorms create a challenging environment for both rikishi and fans alike at the July Basho.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jun 28, 2023
Latest sumo rankings showcase sport's up and coming stars
Hakuoho, 19, is just the latest in a long line of young Japanese athletes to receive massive media attention. Can he live up to the hype?
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jun 21, 2023
Sumo needs to control its narrative as its popularity rises abroad
As awareness of the sport increases internationally and its global fanbase continues to expand, it’s important that sumo works hard to counter false information.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jun 14, 2023
Give overworked sumo wrestlers a break — literally
A mid-summer pause would allow rikishi to heal up ahead of the two most arduous and punishing months on the schedule.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jun 7, 2023
Sumo's 'flat circle' keeps turning as upstarts replace iconic veterans
As Tochinoshin, Ichinojo, and Ishiura exit the stage, new talents are rising to take their places.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 31, 2023
Summer Basho offered excitement and a streamlined experience for sumo fans
The sport has emerged from three years of pandemic-era restrictions into a rapidly changing landscape that requires better delivery of content and a more attractive in-arena experience.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 24, 2023
Ex-ozeki Tochinoshin's retirement a heavy blow for European sumo
In addition to being a fan favorite and a well-liked rikishi inside the sport, Tochinoshin’s presence ensured sumo’s continued popularity in the Caucasus region.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 17, 2023
Opening days of Summer Basho offer some insight but few conclusions
Terunofuji and Asanoyama may not meet with the title at stake on Day 15, but the two veterans are clearly standouts so far at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Japan Times
SUMO / Basho reports
May 12, 2023
Terunofuji set for return to dominance at Summer Basho if knee holds up
The 31-year-old has missed the entirety of the last three tournaments after a flare-up of chronic knee issues forced him to withdraw midway through the September meet.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 10, 2023
Return of yokozuna council's open training offers good and bad
As with any pre-tournament training session, what didn’t happen was more informative than what did.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 3, 2023
Media returns to Kokugikan as sumo resumes in-person activities
Over the past few years, virtually all press club interviews with rikishi have taken place online, limiting fans' insights into their favorite wrestlers.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 26, 2023
New generation could rekindle ozeki rank's missing spark
With a history of engaging and charismatic wrestlers, sumo's second-highest rank often draws a greater response from fans than the stoicism demanded from yokozuna.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 19, 2023
When it comes to sumo in popular media, style reigns over substance
Despite its rich pageantry and 2,000-year history, the sport is still waiting for an authentic Hollywood portrayal that can catch on with the general public.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 12, 2023
Should Terunofuji be considered an all-time great?
With the yokozuna's status for next month's Summer Basho still pending, it’s worth pondering how sumo history would judge him were he to retire without achieving further glory.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 5, 2023
Sumo's declining recruitment shows need for fresh ideas
As Japanese children gravitate toward sumo and rugby, the Japan Sumo Association may need to take a more active role in overseeing the sport's grassroots levels.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Mar 29, 2023
Kiribayama’s victory raises possibility of historic double promotion
The Spring Basho winner is the man best positioned to take advantage of what's likely to be a liberal promotion atmosphere for the foreseeable future.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Mar 23, 2023
Sumo's second division takes center stage in Osaka
Jūryō outshines a top division lacking stars and excitement.

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