Japan is a country known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. But what about sports? What is the national sport of Japan?

The national sport of Japan is sumo wrestling. Sumo wrestling has a long history in Japan, dating back over 1,500 years. It is a traditional Japanese sport where two wrestlers, or rikishi, face off in a circular ring called a dohyo. The objective is to force your opponent out of the ring or make them touch the ground with any part of their body other than the soles of their feet.

Sumo wrestling is not just a physical sport, but also a deeply spiritual and cultural practice in Japan. The wrestlers follow strict rituals and traditions before each match, such as purifying the ring with salt and performing a ceremonial stomp to drive away evil spirits.

If you're interested in learning more about sumo wrestling, you can visit the official website of the Japan Sumo Association here. There, you can find information about upcoming tournaments, the history of the sport, and profiles of famous sumo wrestlers.

Sumo wrestling is a highly respected sport in Japan, with professional sumo wrestlers often revered as cultural icons. The top sumo wrestlers compete in six major tournaments throughout the year, known as basho, where they battle it out for the prestigious title of yokozuna, the highest rank in sumo wrestling.

So, if you ever find yourself in Japan and want to experience a truly unique and traditional sport, be sure to catch a sumo wrestling match. It's a thrilling spectacle that showcases the strength, skill, and spirit of Japan's national sport.

For more information on the history and cultural significance of sumo wrestling in Japan, you can check out this informative article here.

Sign Up