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Japan Times
JAPAN
May 24, 2019

Sumo superfan to skip basho finale, saying tight security for Trump is an unwelcome distraction

When U.S. President Donald Trump arrives with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to take in live sumo wrestling on Sunday at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, security will be beefed up to its highest level — with bodyguards even on alert to protect the president from flying cushions tossed by excited fans, according...
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / BIG IN JAPAN
Feb 6, 2016

Does sumo commentary need to stress the foreignness of the wrestlers?

Let's scroll 10 years back to 2006, when a wrestler named Tochiazuma emerged victorious in the January Grand Sumo tournament. That win, by a native Japanese grappler, was already a rare occasion, as Mongolian yokozuna (grand champion) Asashoryu almost completely dominated the sport and another Mongolian,...
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 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
Sep 21, 2022

No stars? No problem: Interest in sumo grows as it enters parity era

The ebb and flow of Japan's national sport is closely tied to the rise and fall of its grand champions, but overseas viewers are increasingly backing a wider variety of wrestlers.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Aug 31, 2022

Ascent to sumo's peak slowing for recent crop of foreign wrestlers

While Mongolia may currently be monopolizing sumo's foreign slots, the overall level of domination that the central Asian nation has exerted over the sport is unlikely to continue.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jan 19, 2022

U.S. sumo fans get opportunity to see Japan's rising stars

Often considered de-facto world championship due to their high level of competition, the World Games give young talents a chance to shine ahead of their pro careers.
Japan Times
SUMO
Dec 11, 2021

Young sumo wrestlers chase dreams of fame and fortune in Japan's ancient sport

Japan's Children's Sumo Association says some 40,000 children from ages 10-12 take part in the sport.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 13, 2021

Foreign sumo fans finding ways to make voices heard

When sumo goes through a crisis the voices calling loudest for needed change and the protection of rikishi are often those from abroad.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Mar 3, 2021

Hakuho Cup may allow Hakuho to leave indelible mark on sumo from outside ring

With the release of the banzuke (rankings) for the upcoming spring meet, yokozuna Hakuho becomes just the second man in sumo history to reach 100 tournaments in the top division.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Nov 11, 2020

Universities offer foreign wrestlers new path to pro sumo

Instead of struggling to land rare stable placements directly, foreigners are instead blazing a path to the pros through collegiate and amateur sumo.
Japan Times
SUMO
Sep 9, 2020

Sumo would benefit from picking up tips from other sports

There are ways to modernize and copy what is happening in sports worldwide without detracting from what it is that makes sumo special.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Feb 28, 2018

Sumo-rich Osaka ready for stormy Spring Basho

That stretch in the evenings and the plum blossoms in bloom means just one thing to sumo fans — it's time for the Osaka Basho.
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
Oct 12, 2022

Wrestlers and fans relax together at successful Sumo Fan Festival

For the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began, fans were able to get up close and personal with their favorite rikishi at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Japan Times
SUMO / Regional Voices: Chubu
Jul 18, 2022

1972 Nagoya Basho a key turning point for foreign sumo wrestlers

The year was pivotal, marking the return of Okinawa to Japan and the normalizing of diplomatic ties between Japan and China.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Apr 13, 2022

Prestigious University of Tokyo may claim its first sumo wrestler

Hotaka Suyama could become the school's first graduate to enter the world of u014dzumo when he takes the Japan Sumo Association's entrance exam.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Sep 15, 2021

Lack of international streaming options hampers sumo's growth

While the Japan Sumo Association has made some progress on its online offerings, fans' inability to watch the sport overseas is a wasted opportunity for the sport to expand its audience.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Sep 8, 2021

Tsukedashi shortcut helps amateur standouts climb pro sumo ranks

The system rewards strong performances in top amateur tournaments, allowing wrestlers to get a head start on the salaried rank of sekitori.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Aug 12, 2021

Olympics were a missed opportunity for sumo

Hakuho would have been an ideal candidate to represent Japan's national sport at the Games, but neither he nor anyone else was given that chance.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Feb 10, 2021

Spring Basho's Tokyo relocation a loss for Kansai-area sumo fans

Even though the March tournament will go ahead this year, the fact that it will be in Tokyo rather than Osaka means the annual event will be missing some of its trademarks.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jan 27, 2021

Fake news becoming real issue for foreign sumo fans

Online information about sumo has increasingly been falling victim to many of the same issues that plague mainstream news.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Oct 7, 2020

Sumo fans have plenty to look forward to in coming weeks

There are many aspects of Japan's national sport that should give hope for the future.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jun 17, 2020

Gaming world remains land of untapped potential for sumo

Putting a sport in front of the eyeballs of the younger generation guarantees much higher rates of engagement and participation at all levels.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Dec 25, 2019

JSA needs to look outward for good of sumo

Whatever hopes fans had for a peaceful end to the year were dashed when Japan Sumo Association officials instructed Takagenji to take part in his regularly scheduled bout on Dec. 11 despite the wrestler being diagnosed with influenza earlier in the day.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Oct 16, 2019

Slicker production needed for amateur sumo

Typhoon Hagibis raged across Japan last weekend leaving in its wake a trail of devastation both deep and wide-ranging.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
May 29, 2019

Trump's basho visit boosts sumo's reputation overseas

U.S. President Donald Trump's attendance at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, and presentation of a large trophy to its winner, made headlines around the globe.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Feb 13, 2019

Wrestlers put aside differences to promote U.S. sumo

Kelly Gneiting is a religious fundamentalist.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Sep 26, 2018

Takanohana's departure marks end of era for sumo

Takanohana's retirement, announced on Tuesday, brings to an end the Hanada dynasty's 72-year-long involvement in sumo.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / BIG IN JAPAN
Jan 28, 2017

2017: a year for sumo nostalgia

On Jan. 22, 30-year-old ozeki (champion) Kisenosato (real name Yutaka Hagiwara) emerged victorious in the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament with an outstanding record of 14 wins and only one loss. His promotion to history's 72nd yokozuna (grand champion) was confirmed by the Japan Sumo Association three...

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