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July 16, 2024
 

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John Gunning
Japan Times
SUMO
Sep 11, 2018
Sumo 101: Ring names
A sumo wrestler's shikona, or ring name, can reveal much about his history and heritage.
Japan Times
SUMO
Sep 10, 2018
Sumo 101: The belt
Sumo wrestlers on overseas tours have been called 'naked goodwill ambassadors'.
Japan Times
SUMO
Sep 9, 2018
Sumo 101: The Ring
Sumo tournaments take place on a raised ring called a dohyo. The kanji characters for dohyo (土俵) literally translate as clay and rice straw bales — the two materials the ring is made of.
Japan Times
SUMO
Sep 8, 2018
Expect the unexpected in wide-open Autumn Basho
The Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament gets underway on Sunday at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Sep 5, 2018
Sumo's Yokozuna Deliberation Council plays important role in overseeing sport
Kisenosato put in a strong performance at the Yokozuna Deliberation Council soken training session on Aug. 31.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Aug 29, 2018
Unsung yobidashi keep sumo running smoothly
Who spends the most time in a sumo ring?
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Aug 22, 2018
English sumo broadcasts bring together diverse cast
In last week's column, I talked about overseas tours by the Japan Sumo Association and also mentioned the live sumo broadcasts with English commentary on NHK.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Aug 15, 2018
Overseas tours an unfortunate victim of sumo's recent popularity
The world of sumo has seen many changes over the past decade.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Aug 8, 2018
Entering sumo world not something to be taken lightly
In lifting the Emperor's Cup last month, Mitakeumi became the fourth Japanese wrestler to win a championship in the past two years.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Aug 1, 2018
Grueling summer tours offer mixed blessing for sumo
Sumo's summer regional tour is already under way, snaking around Lake Biwa and across central Japan towards the Kanto region.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jul 25, 2018
Mitakeumi earns spoils of victory
The Nagoya tournament ended with the Emperor's Cup being handed to arguably the most surprising top division champion in eight years.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jul 4, 2018
Hot reception awaits sumo competitors in Nagoya
Sumo makes its yearly stop in steamy Nagoya starting Sunday, with Kakuryu aiming for a third straight title at the only venue where he has yet to raise the Emperor's Cup.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jun 27, 2018
Sumo world attracts wide range of characters
Sumo is a monolith. Individual stables may exhibit variances in training and culture, but for the most part life for wrestlers is the same throughout the sport. Enter any stable early in the day and you will find training going on. Come back at 6 p.m. and everyone will be eating dinner.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jun 20, 2018
Grueling training key to sumo transcendence
The sport of sumo manages to achieve with one circle what Dante Alighieri needed nine to describe.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jun 13, 2018
Byzantine rules govern sumo's name shares
Tochinoshin's promotion to ozeki comes with many perks. Most are connected to his life as an active wrestler, such as a boost in salary and parking privileges.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jun 6, 2018
Army of okamisan work behind scenes to keep sumo stables running smoothly
Tochinoshin was officially promoted to ozeki on May 30.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 30, 2018
Newly minted ozeki Tochinoshin reaping rewards of fighting spirit
Yokozuna Kakuryu came from behind to win consecutive tournaments for the first time in his career on Sunday.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 9, 2018
Future without sumo unthinkable for Hakuho
The Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, which gets underway on Sunday, is shaping up to be a make-or-break one for several wrestlers.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 2, 2018
Ancient banzuke adds human touch to sumo
"I can't do this for 10 years. I want to have a normal job. I want to live in a normal house. I want to eat normal food. I want to live a normal life."
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 25, 2018
Powerhouse Nihon University keeps churning out sumo talent
When the rankings for the upcoming Summer Grand Sumo Tournament are released next Monday, Endo should find himself among sumo's top four ranks for the very first time.
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.
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.
Amid same-sex marriage ban, LGBTQ couples opt for 'photo weddings'
A lesbian couple, consisting of a 35-year-old woman (left) and 40-year-old woman, cover their faces with bouquets as they pose for wedding photos in Yokohama on Nov. 1.
China and Russia conduct joint Pacific military patrol
The Russian corvette Gromkiy enters the Chinese port of Zhanjiang as part of a joint China-Russia naval exercise on Saturday.
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.
How to tweak your diet when temperatures spike
Most people think of hydration as a strictly liquid-based concept, but eating foods with high water content is an essential part of making it through a Japanese summer unscathed.

Podcast

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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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