Sumo | INSIDE SUMO May 11, 2022

Kotonowaka impresses as top-rankers stumble early at Summer Basho

The early story of the unpredictable Summer Basho is Kotonowaka, who opened the tournament with three straight wins over ozeki opponents.

Sumo May 6, 2022

Element of surprise set to add more flavor to May Grand Sumo Tournament

A reduction in the amount of detailed reports emanating from sumo ensures the surprise factor from tournament to tournament remains high.

Sumo | INSIDE SUMO May 4, 2022

Fan-produced content boosts sumo's international visibility

With few dedicated English-language journalists covering sumo, the importance of fan-produced translations, blogs and reports remains high.

Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Apr 27, 2022

Balanced Summer Basho banzuke offers few reasons for complaint

With the current top-division hierarchy well established, fans in search of the unexpected may have to look down to the third-division makushita.

Sumo Apr 20, 2022

Sumo's doors open for college stars but closing for foreign hopefuls

University sumo clubs regularly churn out talent capable of reaching the paid ranks, but fewer foreigners are entering the sport outside of powerhouse Mongolia.

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 ōzumo when he takes the Japan Sumo Association's entrance exam.

Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Apr 6, 2022

Return of Hakuho Cup a positive development for aspiring wrestlers

For more than a decade, the tournament for elementary school students has offered overseas teams a chance to compete against some of Japan's top programs and interact with the sport's stars.

Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Mar 30, 2022

Wakatakakage continues sumo's surprise-champion trend

The spring meet of 2022 has continued a trend of photo finishes and thrilling tournaments.

Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Mar 23, 2022

Takayasu chases long-awaited first title at unpredictable Osaka Basho

With yokozuna Terunofuji out and most of the leading pack in Osaka having never tasted glory at a basho, the chances of a first-time title winner emerging in Kansai appear high.

Sumo | INSIDE SUMO Mar 16, 2022

'COVID factor' wreaks havoc on stormy Spring Basho

Unpredictability reigns at Edion Arena Osaka so far, with the impact of February's wave of infections possibly affecting performances.