Search - sumo

 
 
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Dec 23, 2020

Hidden gems await fans who dig deep into sumo's lower divisions

The sport's second and third ranks offer a chance to see both rising stars and wily veterans engaged in the sort of exciting bouts that are sometimes rare in the top level.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Dec 9, 2020

NSSU freshman Hidetora Hanada emerges to claim amateur yokozuna title

The Nippon Sports Science University student overcame a talent-studded field at Sunday's All Japan Sumo Championships, the country's top amateur sumo tournament.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Nov 25, 2020

Takakeisho's rise, Terunofuji's rebound? Thrills await fans in 2021

Professional sumo closed out the thrill ride that was 2020 with one final flourish.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Sep 23, 2020

Sumo experiencing extreme period of parity in final stages of Hakuho's legendary reign

With four former ozeki and an incredible ten wrestlers with championship experience still active in the top division, sumo is the very definition of parity right now.
Japan Times
SUMO
Sep 5, 2019

Emperor's Cup up for grabs at Autumn Basho

Since the beginning of 2018, sumo fans have been spoiled for entertainment with one dramatic event after another hitting the sport.
SUMO / SUMO SCRIBBLINGS
Sep 10, 2013

Is sumo’s lost decade finally coming to an end?

Many long-time sumo fans trace the origins of the decline of sumo in the modern era back to a decision made in January 2003 by Takanohana to call it quits and hang up his mawashi.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET
Feb 15, 2011

Osaka: What are your thoughts on the decision to cancel the Osaka sumo tournament due to the match-fixing scandal?

Atsuko Fujimoto
SUMO / SUMO SCRIBBLINGS
Apr 15, 2008

How hard should it be to get a ticket to see sumo?

Earlier this year, Kokonoe Oyakata, former yokozuna Chiyonofuji, was appointed head of the Nihon Sumo Kyokai's (NSK) Public Relations Department.
SUMO
Oct 14, 2006

Haircuts, sumo stars and amateurs in Osaka

Autumn is a time of change for the Japanese. Summer clothes are put away and sightings of thicker, woollier garments become increasingly common. The mercury encounters a daily struggle to stay first above 20 degrees then above 10, and the country collectively takes its foot off the pedal.
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
Dec 8, 2022

Wrestlers with amateur backgrounds becoming new normal in sumo

These days elite top-tier wrestlers without an amateur background are an increasingly scarce sight.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 21, 2021

Controversial report could deny Hakuho deserved elder stock

Should the Japan Sumo Association adopt the recommendations of the external advisors, the all-time great yokozuna would be prevented from using his ring name after retiring.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 20, 2020

Who should be engraved on sumo's Mount Rushmore?

If Hakuho and Futabayama are locks, then who should occupy the remaining two slots is far less clear.
Japan Times
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.
Japan Times
SUMO
Mar 5, 2020

Health risks in spotlight as Spring Basho nears start

The Japan Sumo Association is proceeding with the upcoming Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, but has decided, in light of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, that it will be held behind closed doors.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Aug 7, 2019

Kids tournaments provide much more than just recruiting grounds

You can become a professional sumo wrestler at 15 years old.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 17, 2019

Peerless Anna Zhigalova dominates women's sumo

Hakuho's undefeated run in Osaka last month gave the yokozuna a 15th perfect championship and 42nd title overall.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jan 2, 2019

Scandals allowing sumo to ID, rid sport of bad elements

It's that time once again to make predictions, and state hopes and wishes for the year ahead in sumo.
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
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
Apr 26, 2017

Emergence of new generation bodes well for Summer Basho

I was honored to be asked by The Japan Times to write a sumo column as part of the 120th anniversary revamp. This paper was probably the first place I read about sumo and was an invaluable source of news back in the days of dial-up internet, when I first came to Japan.
SUMO / SUMO SCRIBBLINGS
Mar 9, 2015

Will SMS be the undoing of sumo’s latest foreign ‘star’?

Sumo has a new superstar. Or at least that is what the individual in question appears to be thinking at the moment!
JAPAN
Feb 4, 2011

Three admit to throwing sumo bouts

Sports minister Yoshiaki Takaki told the Diet on Thursday that three people in the sumo world have admitted bout-fixing, further disgracing the Japan Sumo Association and jeopardizing its status as a certified public interest corporation.

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