Sumo

Japan's national sport, a combat art originating in Shinto rituals. Beyond the contest of strength and technique on the dohyo ring, ceremonial elements such as shiko stomps, salt-throwing, and yokozuna ring-entering are essential. With unique cultural systems including the banzuke ranking and heya system, grand sumo continues to convey Japanese tradition and spirit in its purest form.

Japan's national sport, a traditional wrestling form with roots in Shinto ritual. Wrestlers compete on a raised clay ring called dohyo. Six annual tournaments are held in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, with the yokozuna grand champion atop the banzuke ranking system. The aesthetic formality of topknots, mawashi belts, and salt-throwing merged with Shinto ceremony make sumo iconic.

A traditional Japanese martial art with aspects of Shinto ritual. With over 1500 years of history, professional sumo is held regularly today. Emphasizes rikishi strength, technique, and etiquette. Features unique protocols, dietary systems, and ranking hierarchies. Recognized as Japan's national sport with increasing foreign competitor participation. Globally recognized as representing traditional Japanese culture.

Japan's oldest martial art, originating from ancient religious rituals. Professionalized in the Edo period with modern competitive systems established after Meiji. Maintains strict traditions from wrestlers' lifestyle to ceremonies, recognized globally as a symbol of Japanese culture. Officially designated as Japan's national sport.

An organizational system for Grand Sumo established during the Edo period. Each school (stable) functions as an independent training and development institution with systematic transmission of techniques, wrestler training, and cultural preservation. Over 20 stables operate today, supporting sumo's status as Japan's national sport. This fundamental organizational structure ensures continuity and preservation of sumo culture across generations.

A martial art originating in Japan, founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882. Based on the principle of 'gentleness controls strength,' it focuses on throwing and grappling techniques and became an official Olympic sport at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Today it is practiced in over 200 countries worldwide.