Sumo is a traditional Japanese form of wrestling that involves two competitors, known as rikishi, who face each other in a circular ring called a dohyō. The primary objective of sumo is to force an opponent out of the ring or to make any part of their body, other than the soles of their feet, touch the ground.
Sumo wrestling is steeped in history and culture, dating back centuries, and is characterized by its unique rituals and ceremonies, including the purification of the ring with salt and the symbolic bowing of the wrestlers. Competitors wear a loincloth called a mawashi, and matches are typically brief but intense, focusing on strength, balance, and strategy.
The sport is organized in a hierarchical system, with various divisions that rank wrestlers based on their performance. The top-ranked wrestler is known as the yokozuna, a title that comes with great prestige. Sumo is not only a competitive sport but also a reflection of Japanese heritage, with its practices and customs deeply rooted in Shinto beliefs and traditions.
Hōshōryū, recently promoted to Yokozuna, faces unexpected challenges in his debut tournament, revealing vulnerabilities in his previously dominant performance. His defeats against Komusubi Abi and Maegashira Chiyoshōma highlight early struggles…