sumo
Japanese Name:
相撲
Romaji Name:
sumou
Description
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Sumo is a traditional Japanese wrestling sport where two wrestlers, called rikishi, try to push each other out of a circular ring or make the other touch the ground with any part of their body except the soles of their feet.
History
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Sumo is an ancient sport with roots dating back over 1,500 years. It originally began as a form of Shinto ritual to pray for a good harvest and was closely linked to religious ceremonies.
The earliest recorded sumo matches are mentioned in Japanese chronicles from the 8th century. Over time, sumo evolved from a ritualistic performance to a professional sport, with formalized rules and organized tournaments.
During the Edo period (1603–1868), sumo became a popular spectator sport, with professional wrestlers and dedicated training stables (heya). The Japan Sumo Association was later established to oversee the sport.
Sumo wrestlers follow strict traditions, including unique hairstyles, ceremonial attire, and rituals performed before bouts. The sport remains a deeply cultural and national symbol in Japan, attracting fans both domestically and internationally.