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April 02, 2025
 

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John Gunning
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 13, 2020
Fans have to turn to other options for their sumo fix during virus-related down period
Books, movies and the internet are among things sumo fans can use to pass time until the action in the ring resumes
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 6, 2020
Canceled Summer Basho's rankings will likely carry over to July
This month's tournament may have been called off, but the Japan Sumo Association will likely keep its banzuke sheet untouched for the next meet.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 29, 2020
Sumo feels impact of COVID-19 but escapes major financial hit plaguing other sports
Sumo’s bi-monthly nature may have exempted it from the financial pressures that are hitting other sports hard, but the ongoing pandemic is still having an impact on the sport.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 23, 2020
Long layoffs could prove detrimental to amateur and pro rikishi
The cancellations caused by the coronavirus will likely have an adverse effect on the sumo world.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 15, 2020
Asanoyama strong favorite to become sumo's next hot star
With the sport mostly at a standstill due to the coronavirus pandemic, the upcoming NFL Draft inspires Japan Times sumo columnist John Gunning to again consider his top rikishi selections.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 10, 2020
Sumo's rigid lifestyle offers bubble of protection against coronavirus disruption
With just one case of infection and wrestlers already living in a state of near-isolation, professional sumo may survive the COVID-19 pandemic without a significant decrease in the level of competition.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 1, 2020
Free movement of young wrestlers could help sumo build stronger base
Two significant changes in status took place after the Osaka Grand Sumo Tournament.
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Mar 26, 2020
Spring Basho provided unique experience but raised concerns
The just-finished Spring Grand Sumo Tournament has left us writers with a wealth of storylines.
SUMO
Mar 22, 2020
'You Only Live Twice' participant Fujinishiki stood on top of sumo's fourth-highest rank
Who is the greatest yokozuna of all time?
SUMO
Mar 21, 2020
Kototenzan struggled with sumo lifestyle, but found stardom in pro wrestling
When the 2020 NFL Draft gets under way on April 23rd, Joe Burrow is widely expected to be the first overall pick after leading Louisiana State University to the National Championship, winning the Heisman Trophy and having one of the best seasons for a quarterback in college football history.
SUMO
Mar 19, 2020
Tough training in high school forged Mongolian Ichinojo
One of the strongest sumo high schools in Japan is Tottori Johoku.
SUMO
Mar 18, 2020
Akinoshima had decorated career as part of sumo's dominant stable
Yesterday's Rikishi File was a profile of Kotonishiki — a former sekiwake who is second all-time in the number of special prizes won, with 18.
SUMO
Mar 17, 2020
Kotonishiki experienced historic success without reaching ozeki
Of the four ranks in sumo's top division, komusubi is the one at which a rikishi is least likely to win a championship.
SUMO
Mar 16, 2020
Oshio's career in ring had longevity, but limited success
Without checking, do you know who has fought the most bouts in professional sumo history?
SUMO
Mar 15, 2020
Kotozakura had limited run as yokozuna but successful tenure as stablemaster
Quick question.
SUMO
Mar 14, 2020
Takanobori made unusual entry into sumo
Takanobori is probably the only rikishi in history recruited into sumo as a result of winning a bicycle race.
SUMO
Mar 13, 2020
University sumo product Myogiryu blossoming in 30s
There are currently seven Nippon Sport Science University graduates in professional sumo.
SUMO
Mar 12, 2020
Roho's career defined by unsavory incidents
Since September 2018, there are officially no Russians in professional sumo.
SUMO
Mar 11, 2020
Former yokozuna Onokuni now acts as JSA's public face
Shibatayama stablemaster is one of the more visible members of the Japan Sumo Association's board of directors.
SUMO
Mar 10, 2020
Despite goofball reputation, Takamisakari had solid career
When Takamisakari called it a day back in 2013, this paper carried a headline declaring that the "clown prince of sumo" had retired, while Kyodo News opened with a line that called the former komusubi's pre-bout rituals "goofball antics."
As ‘Buy Canadian’ grows, more U.S. firms say retailers turning away products
Empty shelves with "Buy Canadian Instead" signs are seen in the American Whiskey section of the BC Liquor in Vancouver, British Columbia, on March 10.
Japan, South Korea and China vow to strengthen trade ties amid looming U.S. tariffs
Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto (left), South Korean Trade Industry and Energy Minister Ahn Duk-geun (center) and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao during a trilateral meeting in Seoul on Sunday
A Canadian made a weekend trip to Costco a Japanese pastime
Under the watchful eye of Ken Theriault, Costco representative director and Japan country manager, the American membership-model wholesaler has flourished in Japan.
Nankai Trough earthquake could kill 298,000 people, government says
Residents participate in an evacuation drill held with West Japan Railway in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, in January 2024 to prepare for a Nankai Trough earthquake and a possible tsunami following the quake.
Osaka Expo's Japan Pavilion completed
A ceremony is held to mark the completion of the Japan Pavilion at the World Expo in Osaka on Saturday.
Meiji says sayonara to bottled milk, a staple of Japan's bathhouses
Meiji bottled milk lined up in a fridge at Kosugiyu, a bathhouse in Tokyo. The sticker urges patrons to enjoy the milk one last time before it’s gone.
On defense, Japan may avoid Trump's worst impulses — for now
Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth chat after reviewing an honor guard during a welcome ceremony at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on Sunday.
No longer a 'bridesmaid': Yuki Tsunoda prepares for the Red Bull pressure cooker
All eyes will be on Yuki Tsunoda as he makes his Red Bull debut at the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend.
A Canadian made a weekend trip to Costco a Japanese pastime
Under the watchful eye of Ken Theriault, Costco representative director and Japan country manager, the American membership-model wholesaler has flourished in Japan.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Longform

Professional cleaner Hirofumi Sakurai takes a moment to appreciate some photographs in a Gotanda apartment whose occupant died alone.
The last cleanup: Life and death in a lonely Japan
By Johan Brooks

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