For decades, one of sumo’s most unique selling points has been its accessibility.
Contrary to foreign media’s ubiquitous framing of Japan’s national sport as a “secret world,” interaction between fans and wrestlers or stables has long been free, easy and commonplace.
However, a massive surge in inbound tourism over the past few years, sumo’s rapidly growing international fan base and the business realities of modern sport are putting pressure on long-held practices and norms.
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