Sumo (相撲) is Japan's ancient national sport and one of the world's oldest forms of competitive wrestling. Two wrestlers, called rikishi, face off inside a circular ring called the dohyo. The objective is simple: force your opponent out of the ring or make any part of their body other than the soles of their feet touch the ground.
Despite this simple rule, sumo is deeply complex. Matches often last just seconds, decided by explosive bursts of technique and power. The sport is inseparable from Shinto religion — every tournament begins with elaborate purification rituals, salt is thrown to purify the ring, and the referee wears robes modeled on Shinto priests.
Professional sumo is organized by the Japan Sumo Association (JSA) and comprises six major tournaments (honbasho) per year, each lasting 15 days. The top division, Makuuchi, features approximately 42 wrestlers competing in a round-robin style against opponents of similar rank.
Sumo has experienced a global surge in popularity since 2022, driven by English-language streaming, the Netflix drama Sanctuary, and the rise of international wrestlers — most notably Ukrainian-born Aonishiki, who became Ozeki in record time.