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July 16, 2024
 

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John Gunning
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Feb 12, 2020
Legendary Ryogoku Kokugikan has adapted to modern needs
One of sport's most overused cliches is the labeling of a ballpark or stadium as the mecca of football, baseball or basketball.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Feb 5, 2020
Ban on social media wrong call for sumo's popularity, transparency
Japan's national sport is semiglobalized.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jan 29, 2020
Tokushoryu's unlikely run among sumo's best surprises
January 2020 served up one of the best sumo tournaments of recent times.
Japan Times
SUMO / Rikishi Files
Jan 26, 2020
Kashiwado carved out place despite presence of legend
There have been a few rikishi in the history of sumo whose careers have been akin to supermassive black holes — so overwhelmingly dominant that nothing can escape their presence.
Japan Times
SUMO / Rikishi Files
Jan 25, 2020
Kyokutenho was a trailblazer
In 1991, though most people didn't realize it at the time, the Oshima stablemaster made a decision that would dramatically alter the course of sumo over the next several decades.
Japan Times
SUMO
Jan 24, 2020
Sentoryu embodied colorful sumo nickname
Since Takamiyama first blazed a trail to Japan in 1964, 30 other Americans have followed the giant Hawaiian into professional sumo.
Japan Times
SUMO
Jan 23, 2020
Hanakaze's longevity moves into fifth decade
In March 1986, while Mike Ditka, Walter Payton and William "The Refrigerator" Perry and the rest of the Chicago Bears were still celebrating their Super Bowl XX mauling of the New England Patriots two-plus months earlier, in Osaka a young man named Daisaku Yamaguchi made his professional sumo debut.
Japan Times
SUMO
Jan 22, 2020
Kitazakura known best for talent, attitude outside ring
Rikishi who are famous for something other than results in the ring usually achieve that status through some notable aspect of their personality.
Japan Times
SUMO
Jan 21, 2020
Kotoshogiku experienced brief but memorable time in spotlight
There are eight active wrestlers who have spent time at sumo's second-highest rank.
Japan Times
SUMO / Rikishi Files
Jan 20, 2020
Legendary Futabayama set standard for sumo greatness
Yokozuna Hakuho's incredible 43 championships, 15 perfect titles and numerous other records and achievements rightly see him often referred to as the greatest rikishi in the history of sumo.
Japan Times
SUMO / Rikishi Files
Jan 19, 2020
Kokkai helped European rikishi arrive in sumo world
The first rikishi whose place of origin was listed as somewhere outside Japan was Hiraga, who joined professional sumo in 1934.
Japan Times
SUMO / Rikishi Files
Jan 18, 2020
Yama succeeds after sumo
Life after professional sumo (for those who don't qualify for elder status) is generally quite prosaic.
Japan Times
SUMO / Rikishi Files
Jan 17, 2020
Former yokozuna Kitanoumi was imposing figure in sumo
Intimidation factor is something that cannot be discounted when it comes to finding reasons for success in sumo.
Japan Times
SUMO / Rikishi Files
Jan 16, 2020
Ukrainian Sergey Sokolovsky follows sumo great Taiho's career path
Sergey Sokolovsky recently took the new recruit exam and, when he makes his competitive debut in March, the 22-year-old will become the first-ever Ukrainian in professional sumo.
Japan Times
SUMO / Rikishi Files
Jan 15, 2020
Tochiazuma's bloody rivalry with Asashoryu a spectacle
In terms of sumo's vintage years, 1976 was one of the best.
Japan Times
SUMO / Rikishi Files
Jan 14, 2020
Kisenosato is gone, but his impact lives on
The current boom in sumo popularity is a product of many factors.
Japan Times
SUMO / Rikishi Files
Jan 13, 2020
Technical acumen couldn't get Kotomitsuki over hump
The three pillars of sumo are shin-gi-tai, which translate as heart-technique-physique.
Japan Times
SUMO / Rikishi Files
Jan 12, 2020
American-born Akebono blazed path to pinnacle of sumo
Rowan, an anglicization of the Irish O Ruadhain, isn't a name widely found in sport.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jan 9, 2020
Sumo practice blowups nothing new in sport ruled by traditions
The problem of violence reared its ugly head in sumo again recently, but this time it came with a twist.
Japan Times
SUMO
Jan 9, 2020
New Year Basho provides intriguing mix of storylines
Every sumo tournament contains a myriad of storylines.
Who needs AI when you have Hatsune Miku?
Over the first six months of 2024, a handful of songs using Vocaloid singer Hatsune Miku’s voice have enjoyed widespread attention, underlining a global interest in the character and the technology she represents.
Bloodied Trump survives assassination attempt at political rally
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is surrounded and evacuated by Secret Service agents at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. Trump was rushed off stage at the rally after shots rang out.
Shooter came within inches of killing Trump, but left few clues as to why
An aerial view shows the stage where Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump had been standing during an assassination attempt the day before, and the roof of a nearby building where a gunman was shot dead by law enforcement, in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Sunday.
Yen’s woes seem too big for even a BOJ hike this month to solve
The Bank of Japan headquarters in Tokyo
How to beat Japan’s summer heat in ways better for the planet
Tenugui towels hang up to dry at a dyeing company in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, on May 8. The durable and versatile tenugui, which many people have in their homes, can be used in many ways to cool one’s body.
The neurological disorder that 'kills culture'
Akiko Trush says her experience with the neurological disorder dystonia left her feeling like she wanted to chop her own hand off.
How to beat Japan’s summer heat in ways better for the planet
Tenugui towels hang up to dry at a dyeing company in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, on May 8. The durable and versatile tenugui, which many people have in their homes, can be used in many ways to cool one’s body.
After Trump shooting, U.S. presidential race might take a violent turn
United States Secret Service Counter Snipers stand guard on a rooftop during a campaign rally for U.S. President Donald Trump in Avoca, Pennsylvania, in 2020.
No AC this summer? No problem (for me).
Think air conditioning is a requirement for a Tokyo summer? Think again.
She’s paying ¥1 million to help behind the scenes at the Paris Olympics
Mai Tarumi, who previously volunteered at the postponed Tokyo Olympics in 2021, has a travel budget of ¥1 million for her trip to volunteer at the Paris Games.

Podcast

You can often see generations of families enjoying performances together at Fuji Rock Festival.
Japan’s summer music festivals are feeling the heat in more ways than one

Longform

Akiko Trush says her experience with the neurological disorder dystonia left her feeling like she wanted to chop her own hand off.
The neurological disorder that 'kills culture'
By Tomoko Otake

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