Sumo wrestling is a sport that unknown to many outside of Japan, actually requires enormous skill, dedication, and professionalism. A lot has been said about sumo wrestlers (rikishi) throughout the years, yet despite the its growing popularity worldwide, it is still unfortunately used like a punch line in many western countries due to how seemingly ridiculous sumo wrestlers look like to the uninitiated.
There is much more to Japan’s national sport that meets the eye, however, and we feel that people need to be educated a bit about what Sumo is all about. Not only is it a beautiful sport by itself, but all the traditions and customs associated with it make it more interesting than you could imagine. Here are ten of the most interesting facts about Sumo wrestling that you probably had no knowledge of.
10Women and sumo wrestling
It is no secret that most sports are male dominated, with women playing no role in their development. In sumo wrestling, women are forbidden not only from engaging in the sport but from entering dohyos and sumo wrestling matches. In 2000 the sate of Osaka had a female governor and when presenting the Osaka Governor’s Prize, she was made to stand outside the ring while a male representative awarded the winner the prize.