A National Sport?

If I ask a person what is the national sport of Japan, some will say Baseball while others think of Sumo. So which one is it really?


Traditionally, Sumo has been Japan’s national sport since 17th century (Nihon Sumo Kyokai Pamphlet)—with attentive viewers and fans all over the nation—but with the recent introduction of baseball, Sumo’s fame begins to fade. I go around and ask Japanese and international students about national sport of Japan, the common answer are baseball because it is the most popular sport. Only one student mentions Sumo, “It represents Japan and exists only in Japan.”


Over spring break I had a chance to witness this interesting sport. My roommate and I managed to get some tickets to see Sumo on the 13th day and it was truly a splendid sport. Aside from being a sport, Sumo is infused with deep rituals and customs before and after each match that carries a strong tie to Shinto. According to the pamphlet I received from the ticket attendant, there are six Grand Tournaments each year and each tournament lasts for 15 days. Each day during the tournament right before the maku-uchi matches (matches for rikishi, Sumo wrestlers in the five top ranks) start, “the colorful dohyo-iri or ‘entering the ring’ ceremony takes place.” The rikishi would gather around the ring, dohyo, with their elaborately embroidered “kesho-mawashi or ceremonial aprons” that seem to cost a lot, which do cost a lot ranging from 400,000-500,000 yen… (pamphlet)


The goal of the game is quite simple. The rikishi must force his opponent out of the circular ring or have any parts except the feet touch the ground in order to win the match. There are times where it seems to be a draw, the judges in black kimono and the referee will decide the winner or do a rematch.

Even though Sumo may no longer be as famous as baseball but it still is a powerful sport with art.