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The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
The saviour
SUMO is Japan's national sport, steeped in hundreds of years of history and tradition. But Japanese wrestlers no longer dominate sumo. So there was a sigh of relief in local sumo circles when Onosato Daiki of Japan was named as yokozuna, or grand champion, the highest title in the sport. He is the first Japanese yokozuna in eight years and only the second in 27 years, at least temporarily breaking Mongolian dominance of the elite levels of the sport. Yokozuna are selected by a council of elders after great achievement in the ring. There have been 75 since the 1600s, although the process was only formalised in the early 20th century. Once named a yokozuna, a wrestler can never be demoted. Traditionally, winning two consecutive top-division tournaments is enough to earn the yokozuna title; Onosato, as he is known, earned such titles in Osaka and in Tokyo. He achieved the title after just 13 top-level tournaments, the quickest ascension since the current system came into effect in the 1950s. 'This is a very much unknown territory for me,' Onosato said at a news conference, as translated by Japan Today. 'I want to maintain my style, be Onosato, and I will work hard to become a unique and unparalleled yokozuna.' There is currently one other yokozuna, Hoshoryu, a Mongolian who earned that title in January in Tokyo. In the May tournament where Onosato won his second consecutive top-division title, Hoshoryu was second, with a 12-3 record to Onosato's 14-1. The rivalry will continue in Nagoya in July. That will be more than a battle between two sumo wrestlers at the top of the game. For many fans, it will be a referendum on sumo in Japan. Akebono, from Hawaii, was the first non-Japanese yokozuna. Sumo's traditional scenes, rituals and action set it apart from other high-profile professional sports around the world. The athletes are enormous; Onosato is 190.5kg (420lbs), and even his trim rivals are over 136kg (300lbs). Rituals before the match, like bowing, foot-stomping and the tossing of salt, last far longer than the match itself, which is over in seconds, as soon as one of the big men is pushed out of the ring or drops to the ground. Athletes wrestle just once a day in the two-week major tournaments, which are held six times a year. Sumo was an all-Japanese affair for centuries. Finally in 1993, Akebono, from Hawaii, became the first non-Japanese yokozuna. A few years later, another yokozuna from outside Japan, Asashoryu of Mongolia in 2003, ruffled some feathers for behaviour that some felt defied sumo tradition, like celebrating excessively. Asashoryu ushered in a period of Mongolian dominance. At times it seemed as if Japanese wrestlers would never again reach the pinnacle of the sport. While sumo has gained some popularity around the world – events with second-tier wrestlers have been held in the United States – it remains closely linked to Japanese tradition and culture. Onosato Daiki is the first Japanese yokozuna in eight years and only the second in 27 years. — AP Japan is still where all the best sumo takes place, and the top wrestlers aspire to succeed there. But the rising popularity of other sports, notably football, with young people in Japan has given sumo a reputation for being old-fashioned. The previous drought for Japanese yokozuna was even longer – 19 years – until Kisenosato earned the title in 2017. Kisenosato never became dominant, however, winning just two top-level tournaments in his career. Onosato will try to do better. His rise has been predicted for years, and at age 24 he has already won four top tournaments. That could bring the weight of expectations, however: Some have already labelled him the saviour of Japanese sumo. —NYT
Metropolis Japan
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Metropolis Japan
Tokyo Sumo Tournament 2025
Sumo returns to Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan from May 11–25, 2025, marking a significant moment in the sport's history. Hoshoryu, recently promoted as the 74th yokozuna, will make his Tokyo debut at the top rank, bringing renewed excitement to the tournament. His ascent comes after years of Mongolian dominance, and his presence on the dohyo signals a generational shift in professional sumo. Sumo matches are straightforward: the first wrestler to touch the ground with any body part other than the soles of the feet or step outside the ring loses. Despite the simplicity, bouts are intense, often lasting only seconds. Matches showcase raw strength, strategy and centuries-old rituals, including the dramatic salt tosses and stomping ceremonies performed before each bout. Wrestlers don ceremonial kesho-mawashi aprons and perform their shiko foot-stomping rituals to purify the ring and frighten away evil spirits. Achieving the rank of yokozuna is the highest honor in sumo. It requires consistent elite performance, often including two consecutive tournament wins. The title comes with enormous expectations: a yokozuna must perform with dignity, uphold tradition, and retire voluntarily if their performance falters. The promotion process is overseen by the Yokozuna Deliberation Council and is as much about character and decorum as it is about wins. Hoshoryu, nephew of former yokozuna Asashoryu, has quickly risen through the ranks, earning his promotion in January 2025 after a dominant performance in the New Year tournament. Known for his agility, fighting spirit and emotional presence on the dohyo, Hoshoryu brings a dynamic energy to the top division. His promotion has rekindled public excitement and brought new attention to the sport both in Japan and internationally. Onosato, one of the most consistent performers in recent tournaments, clinched his third championship in March 2025. He's being closely watched as a potential future yokozuna and is known for his calm demeanor and technical precision. Grandson of the legendary yokozuna Kotozakura, this wrestler made headlines with a strong performance in the November 2024 basho. His traditional technique and disciplined style make him a fan favorite among purists. Aonishiki, a Ukrainian-born wrestler who recently debuted in the top division, is quickly rising in the rankings. With ambitions to become the first European yokozuna, his story has captivated fans worldwide and brought new international visibility to sumo. A day at Ryogoku Kokugikan is a deep dive into Japanese culture. From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere is steeped in tradition—the rhythmic clapping of the gyoji referee, the scent of binzuke hair oil, and the sight of wrestlers in yukata entering the arena. Between bouts, visit the Sumo Museum located within the venue to view historic memorabilia, from championship belts to ukiyo-e prints of famous bouts. You can also sample a bowl of chanko nabe for just ¥300 in the basement dining area between 12 pm and 2 pm, or shop for souvenirs ranging from wrestler-themed rice crackers to champion handprint calligraphy. Ryogoku is known for its sumo-themed restaurants, many operated by retired wrestlers: Chanko Kirishima : Managed by former ozeki Kirishima Kazuhiro, the restaurant is popular on tournament days. It's located just down the road from Ryogoku Station. : Managed by former ozeki Kirishima Kazuhiro, the restaurant is popular on tournament days. It's located just down the road from Ryogoku Station. Chanko Kawasaki: A true institution with more than 80 years of history, this is among the most authentic places in Tokyo to enjoy sumo cuisine. Outside, bronze statues and handprints of sumo legends line the street leading to the venue, culminating at the nearby Eko-in Temple, home to the historic Sumo Stone of Strength erected in 1936. Dates : May 11–25, 2025 : May 11–25, 2025 Venue : Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo : Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo Tickets : Available from April 5, 2025, via Ticket Oosumo : Available from April 5, 2025, via Ticket Oosumo Hours: Gates open at 8 am; top division matches begin around 3:30 pm For more information, visit the Japan Sumo Association. If tickets on the official website are sold out or you're looking to enhance your experience, Klook offers guided tours with added perks. Booking through Klook includes your ticket, a smoother entry process, and an interpreter who will guide you through the game. Already missed the tournament? No problem! Check out a sumo practice experience: Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour with Ring-Side Seats + Photo Shoot Read more about Sumo in Japan Sumo Spotting: Where to sight Japan's mightiest warriors Small Town Sumo
