Meet former sumo wrestler

View a demonstration of sumo wrestling by two
former wrestlers, beginning with a ritual of
purification and eventually engaging in combat.
Sumo has been the most popular form of sports
entertainment in Japan for the last 1,000 years,
making it integral to local culture. Sumo wrestling, deeply rooted in Shintoism, is Japan's oldest professional sport, with origins dating back to ancient rituals. Initially, it was a performance to entertain the gods and pray for good harvests, with the dohyo (ring) considered a sacred space. Over time, it evolved into a more formalized sport, particularly during the Edo period, and continues to be a significant part of Japanese culture.
Sumo basically took its present form in the Edo period (1603–1867). Matches were held to raise money to construct shrines and temples or to replace bridges, and thus the professional sumo wrestlers were born. A sport that was once enjoyed only by the rich and powerful became popular among the masses. Sumo events were often held in Edo (now Tokyo), Osaka, and Kyoto, and the sport's popularity grew with the sales of color woodblock prints (nishiki-e) featuring sumo scenes and pictures of wrestlers. The government of the time, though, often issued orders banning sumo since there was constant arguing and fighting that came with the sport.

For this reason, the organizers of sumo decided on a set of rules, including the creation of a list of 48 kimarite (winning techniques) and the round ring that is still used today. A system of stables was created to train wrestlers.

As many aspects of old Japan remain in sumo, such as topknots, traditional dress, and ancient customs, professional sumo is more than just a sport; it's a living example of traditional Japanese culture. As ambassadors of the sport, sumo wrestlers are contributing the spread of Japanese culture through overseas tours.

Lunch: We’ll stay on at the sumo house and
enjoy Chanko, a hot pot dish traditionally
consumed by sumo wrestlers to maintain
their competitive physique. Sumo wrestlers follow a high-calorie, protein-rich diet centered around a stew called chanko nabe, often consuming upwards of 10,000 calories per day. They typically skip breakfast, train for several hours, and then have two large meals, with chanko nabe being a staple. While the stew is made with healthy ingredients like various meats, vegetables, and broth, the sheer volume consumed contributes to their significant size.Läs mer