The Fascinating History of Sumo Wrestling

Table of Contents

Sumo wrestling is more than Japan’s national sport – it’s a millennia-old tradition that blends strength, ritual, and culture. While many see it as a clash of big bodies, sumo began as a sacred Shinto ceremony to pray for good harvests.

When we went to our first sumo tournament, we expected slow, heavy collisions. Instead, we were struck by the wrestlers’ speed, power, and agility. But, the rituals stood out too – the salt throwing, the stomping, and the referee’s robes. It was clearly more than a sport, but we didn’t really understand what we were watching. (A good guide would’ve helped.)
That first experience encouraged us to learn more about sumo.

Since then, we’ve written a series of articles to help others understand what they’re seeing.

This guide draws on ancient texts, archaeological finds, and modern research to explore sumo’s journey from Shinto ritual to professional sport. Along the way, you’ll see how sumo has shaped – and been shaped by – Japanese culture, from court ceremonies and samurai training to the tournaments of today.

If you’re curious about sumo’s early roots, its cultural meaning, or how it became the sport it is today, our comprehensive article on the history of sumo wrestling will explain it.

Click here to grab your FREE 27-page eBook, which shows you exactly how to experience sumo in Tokyo and Osaka. Includes tournaments, live shows, sumo stable tours, training sessions, DIY tours, and more!

Shinto Origins of Sumo

Sumo began as part of Shinto, Japan’s traditional religion that focuses on nature, ancestral respect, and spirits known as kami.

Back then, sumo wasn’t about sport or competition — it was a sacred ritual. Matches were held to honour the kami and ask for their blessings, especially for good harvests. These ceremonies often happened during the rice planting season and were seen as a way to pray for or predict how the crops would turn out.

Some of these early traditions are still part of sumo today. Wrestlers stomp their feet to drive away bad spirits and throw salt into the ring to purify it. Even the referees (gyōji) wear outfits inspired by Shinto priests — a reminder of sumo’s spiritual beginnings.

Historical Evidence

There’s evidence that sumo, or something like it, has been around in Japan for well over 1,000 years. Some of it comes from ancient texts. Some from archaeology.

The Kojiki – Mythical Roots

The Kojiki (712 CE/AD) – Japan’s oldest surviving book – tells a mythical story about two gods wrestling to control the land. Takemikazuchi, a god of thunder and war, defeats Takeminakata, a god linked to farming and hunting. The match is seen as the spiritual beginning of sumo.

In Section 32 of the English translation, Takeminakata demands a trial of strength. He first grabs Takemikazuchi’s hand, which turns into a sword, then a pillar of ice. Takemikazuchi responds by crushing Takeminakata’s arm “like a reed”. Takeminakata then flees and gives up control of the land.

The Nihon Shoki – First Match Between Mortals

The Nihon Shoki (720 CE/AD) includes the first written account of a sumo match between real people.

It says that in 23 BC, Emperor Suinin ordered a bout between Nomi no Sukune, a potter from Izumo, and Taima no Kehaya, known for his strength. Nomi no Sukune won, breaking Kehaya’s ribs and back with powerful kicks.

A traditional Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock print by artist Yoshitoshi, depicting a dramatic sumo wrestling match between two legendary figures, Nomi no Sukune and Taima no Kehaya. The wrestlers have intense facial expressions and exaggerated muscular physiques. Nomi no Sukune, on the left, wears a vibrant blue robe with intricate red and gold patterns, while Taima no Kehaya, on the right, wears a dark black outfit. Their legs and arms appear tense, showcasing their strength as they grapple. The background is minimalistic, with Japanese calligraphy on banners framing the scene. The artwork uses bold lines, dynamic movement, and rich textures characteristic of Yoshitoshi’s style. — *Nomi no Sukune wrestling with Taima no Kehaya (by Yoshitoshi) – Image in the Public Domain*

You can read Book VI of the Nihon Shoki here. Like many stories from this era, it mixes history and legend, and its accuracy is debated.

There’s a shrine where this first bout is said to have happened. It’s part of the Yamanobe-no-Michi trail in Nara Prefecture – considered Japan’s oldest road.

Haniwa Figures – Archaeological Clues

Clay figures called haniwa, dating from the Kofun period (3rd–7th centuries CE/AD), show people in wrestling poses. These were used in burial rituals, suggesting sumo – or a similar form of wrestling – had spiritual or ceremonial meaning long before it became a sport.

A Haniwa clay statue of a sumo wrestler displayed in a museum. The ancient terracotta figure has a rounded body, a traditional sumo-style belt, and a headdress. The statue’s arms are broken off, leaving only partial stumps. It stands on a cylindrical base, characteristic of Haniwa funerary sculptures from Japan’s Kofun period. The face has simple, hollowed-out eyes and a neutral expression. In the background, museum display panels feature historical information, images of archaeological sites, and artifacts related to ancient Japanese culture. — *Haniwa Figurine of Sumo Wrestler. Image in the Public Domain.*

Interestingly, Nomi no Sukune (said to have participated in the first bout between people) is also credited with inventing haniwa. Instead of using people as funeral sacrifices, he suggested using clay figures. He became known as the ancestor of a family of potters called the Haji clan.

Sumo in Early Imperial Japan

As Japan entered the Nara and Heian periods, sumo evolved beyond a seasonal ritual. It became part of life at the imperial court, both as a cultural performance and a way to showcase physical strength.

Sumo enters the Imperial Court

During the Nara period (710–794), sumo started to take on a more official role. According to the Shoku Nihongi, a government post to oversee sumo was created in 719, and ceremonial matches were held for the emperor in 734.

These early bouts were still tied to seasonal customs and were used to entertain the court and assess the strength of potential warriors.

Sumai no Sechie: Sumo at the Heian Court

By the Heian period (794–1192), sumo had become a major event at the imperial court. The most prominent example was the ‘sumai no sechie‘, or Festival of Wrestling.

Officials sent messengers around the country to recruit strong men from the provinces. On the event day, wrestlers were split into left and right sides and paired off for up to 20 bouts.

These matches were performed before the emperor and court nobles and were accompanied by traditional bugaku music.

The Festival of Wrestling wasn’t just entertainment. It remained a ritual to pray for good harvests and divine the fortunes of the provinces. Sumo kept its spiritual roots, but it was also starting to become a spectacle.

From court display to military training

Unlike earlier sumo, which mainly focused on ritual, Heian-era sumo became more structured. Matches followed formal etiquette, and wrestlers trained to improve their technique and discipline.

During this time, many wrestlers served as imperial or military guards. At first, provinces were expected to supply wrestlers for these roles, but later, they were paid instead, and only top competitors were chosen. After their service, these wrestlers often returned home and took up roles in local government.

By the end of the Heian period, sumo began shifting from a court display to a practical skill for warriors. This type of wrestling, sometimes called buke-zumo, became part of samurai training. That shift laid the groundwork for sumo’s role in the centuries that followed — both as a way to train fighters and as a growing public spectacle.

Sumo in Feudal Japan

As Japan entered the feudal era, sumo shifted further away from courtly ritual to practical training and entertainment for the warrior class.

Sumo as Samurai Training

During the Kamakura period (1185–1333), when the samurai class rose to power, sumo became more than just a performance. Feudal lords (daimyō) used it to test the strength and agility of potential warriors. Some skilled wrestlers were even recruited into the samurai ranks.

These matches were rougher and less regulated than what we see today. Sumo bouts during this time were often violent and didn’t follow a formal structure.

The First Sumo Stables

The roots of sumo stables (heya) can be traced to the late 1500s, especially in the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568–1600). Though informal, these early groups gave wrestlers more regular training and discipline. Over time, they laid the groundwork for the structured stables that define modern professional sumo.

Nobunaga and the 1,500-Wrestler Tournament

One of sumo’s most powerful early supporters was Oda Nobunaga (1534–1582), a warlord who helped unify Japan. His support for sumo is well documented in the Shinchō Kōki (Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga), written by his retainer Ōta Gyūichi.

In August 1578, Nobunaga held a grand sumo tournament at Mount Azuchi with 1,500 wrestlers. He introduced circular rings within the castle grounds for multiple bouts to run at once – a step toward the modern dohyō (sumo ring). The layout also improved safety for both wrestlers and spectators.

A traditional Japanese painting depicting a sumo tournament hosted by Oda Nobunaga. The scene shows two sumo wrestlers in white mawashi engaged in a match, with a sumo referee (gyōji) in samurai attire officiating the bout. Spectators, including samurai in armor and courtiers in elaborate kimonos, watch from wooden platforms. Oda Nobunaga, seated in the center under a white canopy adorned with black crests, observes the match with his retainers. Other sumo wrestlers are sitting on the ground, awaiting their turn. The painting features intricate details, historical attire, and a structured composition that highlights the grandeur of sumo as a sport favored by samurai lords. — *Oda Nobunaga watching his Sumo Tournament – August 1578 at Mt Azuchi. Credit to Yukikaze1234. Image shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.*

Nobunaga’s enthusiasm helped push sumo beyond ritual and into the world of competitive sport.

A Popular Pastime Across Japan

By the early 1600s, sumo had grown in popularity and spread far beyond court and military settings. It was well on its way to becoming a recognised pastime throughout Japan, paving the way for its full professionalisation in the Edo period.

The Modernisation of Sumo in the Edo Period

During the Edo period (1603–1868), sumo changed dramatically. What had once been informal and sometimes chaotic became more structured and professional. Under the Tokugawa shogunate, sumo developed the training systems, rankings, and public tournaments that still define the sport today.

Tokugawa Ieyasu and the Push for Structure

Although Tokugawa Ieyasu was a long-time supporter of sumo, the sport in the early Edo years lacked rules and oversight. Unregulated street matches often popped up in towns and villages. These bouts could be rowdy and occasionally led to gambling problems or fights.

The Tokugawa government introduced clear regulations to bring order to the sport. Sumo was limited to specific venues like temples and shrines, reducing the risk of public disorder and helping sumo take a major step toward legitimacy.

A traditional Japanese nishiki-e (colored woodblock print) depicting 97 sumo wrestlers from the early Edo period to the final years of the Tokugawa shogunate. The artwork showcases a vibrant and detailed composition of sumo wrestlers wearing elaborate ceremonial aprons (kesho-mawashi), some holding fans or posing in strong stances. Their facial expressions and postures convey strength, confidence, and determination. At the top of the print, Japanese text provides names and information about the wrestlers. The deep blue background contrasts with the richly patterned garments and bold outlines of the sumo figures, emphasizing the grandeur and historical significance of sumo wrestling during the Edo period. The print captures the essence of sumo as a revered sport and cultural tradition in Japan. — A nishiki-e Print of 97 Sumo Wrestlers active from the early Edo period to the last days of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Published in 1867. Image in the Public Domain.

Sumo Tournaments Open to the Public

Previously, sumo had been confined to imperial courts or used for warrior training. But during the Edo period, sumo moved into the public sphere.

Tournaments were often held to raise money for temple repairs or local causes. These events quickly became popular, attracting crowds from all levels of society. The Tokugawa government supported these matches – as long as they followed official guidelines.

This marked the start of sumo as a form of entertainment for the general public.

The Birth of Sumo Stables

One of the most important developments of this era was the formal creation of sumo stables (heya). While earlier wrestlers often trained on their own or under temporary patronage, the new system brought them into long-term training under a stablemaster (oyakata).

By the mid-to-late Edo period, the heya system had taken hold. It gave sumo structure and discipline, offering:

A proper environment for training and living
Clear hierarchy, with younger wrestlers learning from senior ones
A career pathway from entry-level ranks to the top division

This structure remains the foundation of professional sumo today.

The First Yokozuna

The first recognised yokozuna, Akashi Shiganosuke, appeared in the 1620s. Akashi was said to be 2.58 metres (8 ft 6 in) tall and weigh 340 kg (750 lb).

A traditional Japanese woodblock print depicting Akashi Shiganosuke, dressed in a patterned blue robe with tattoos on his arms, overpowering a nearly naked, muscular opponent. The wrestler grips the other's neck, dominating the scene with calm intensity, while holding a red object in his other hand. Japanese calligraphy and symbols are visible in the background and foreground. — *Akashi Shiganosuke strangling an opponent in a woodcut by Yoshitoshi.* *Image in the Public Domain.*

But at that time, it was an honorary title, not an official rank. Early yokozuna were allowed to perform a special ring-entering ceremony (dohyō-iri) wearing a thick rope, but they didn’t yet sit at the top of the rankings.

Introducing the Banzuke Ranking System

The first known banzuke – a formal list ranking sumo wrestlers – was published in 1684. At first, these rankings weren’t consistent across all tournaments. However, by the early 1700s, a clearer system was in place and adopted throughout the country.

Wrestlers were divided into divisions based on skill and performance, with the main ranks being:

Makuuchi – top division
Jūryō – second division
Makushita, Sandanme, Jonidan, and Jonokuchi – lower and developmental ranks

The system created clear incentives for wrestlers to train hard and advance.

Yokozuna Becomes an Official Rank

By the late 1700s, the yokozuna title shifted from ceremonial to official. Tanikaze Kajinosuke (1750–1795) was the first wrestler to be formally listed as a yokozuna in the banzuke.

From this point on, yokozuna were not just strong wrestlers – they represented the highest rank in the sport.

The change reflected sumo’s growing professionalism and the increasing expectations placed on its top athletes.

Sumo in the Meiji Period

When Japan entered the Meiji period (1868–1912), the country was rapidly changing. Western ideas were flooding in, and many traditional practices were questioned. Sumo wasn’t immune. Some saw it as outdated or too crude, especially with its near-naked wrestlers and religious overtones. Public interest dropped, and there were even calls to ban the sport altogether.

A historical photograph from 1869 featuring two sumo wrestlers and their attendants. The two central figures, identified as the 11th Yokozuna Shiranui Kōemon and the 13th Yokozuna Kimenzan Tanigorō, are standing shirtless, wearing ceremonial kesho-mawashi aprons with a white and blue zigzag pattern. They extend their arms outward in a traditional sumo stance. Seated around them are attendants and officials dressed in traditional Japanese garments, including kimono and hakama. One official holds a sumo ranking fan, a symbol of authority in the sport. The background is a simple studio setting, and the image is hand-colored to enhance details such as clothing and fabric patterns. This historical portrait captures the formality and prestige of sumo wrestling during the late Edo period in Japan. — *Photo of the 11th Yokozuna (Shiranui Kōemon) and the 13th Yokozuna (Kimenzan Tanigorō). Taken in 1869. Image in the Public Domain.*

But in 1884, sumo received a major boost. A special exhibition was held for Emperor Meiji, featuring top wrestlers Umegatani I and Ōdate. The emperor’s support helped restore sumo’s reputation and confirmed its place in modern Japan. From that point, sumo worked hard to adapt without losing its traditions.

A historical hand-colored photograph from the 1890s captures a sumo wrestling match in Tokyo, Japan. The sumo ring (dohyō) is set under a large canopy decorated with purple fabric featuring white floral emblems and zigzag patterns. A sumo wrestler in a traditional mawashi is crouched in a ready stance, facing his opponent, while a referee (gyōji) dressed in an elaborate kimono stands nearby. A large audience, consisting of men wearing a mix of traditional Japanese clothing and Western-style hats, surrounds the ring, watching intently. The scene is filled with rich cultural detail, reflecting the enduring tradition of sumo wrestling in Japan during the Meiji era. — *Sumo Wrestling Bout in Tokyo in the 1890s. Image in the public domain.*

The Building of a Permanent Home for Sumo in Tokyo

For much of the Edo and early Meiji periods, tournaments were held at open-air venues such as Ekō-in Temple in Tokyo’s Ryōgoku district. Temporary wooden structures were built next to the temple to host the events, but they offered little protection from the weather and limited spectator comfort.

The First Ryōgoku Kokugikan (1909–1944)

In 1909, sumo got its first indoor arena — the original Ryōgoku Kokugikan. Built next to Ekō-in, it had a capacity of about 13,000 and marked a turning point in how sumo was viewed as a public spectacle.

Black and white photograph of the original Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena in Tokyo, taken in 1909. The grand circular structure features multiple domed towers, balconies, and arched windows, showcasing an architectural style blending Western and Japanese influences. Flags and banners decorate the building's facade, indicating a special event or grand opening. In the foreground, people in early 20th-century attire walk along a dirt path, while horse-drawn carriages and an early automobile are visible near the entrance. The surrounding area appears underdeveloped, with scattered wooden debris and bare trees, highlighting the contrast between the newly built arena and its surroundings. — *The original Ryogoku Kokugikan in 1909. Image in the Public Domain.*

A black and white photograph showing the interior of the original Ryōgoku Kokugikan sumo arena in 1936. The venue is packed with spectators surrounding the central sumo ring, where a yokozuna performs a traditional dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremony under an ornate roof structure suspended above the ring. — Inside of the First Ryōgoku Kokugikan (1936) during a yokozuna dohyo-iri. Notice the traditional roof (tsuriyane), supported by pillars and resembling that of a Shinto shrine above the dohyō. Image in the public domain.

However, the building faced several disasters:

1917 – A fire destroyed the arena’s roof. Matches were moved to Yasukuni Shrine until it was rebuilt and reopened in 1920.
1923 – The Great Kantō Earthquake caused significant damage. Tournaments were again temporarily relocated, this time to Nagoya.

A black and white photograph showing the original Ryōgoku Kokugikan sumo arena in the background, severely damaged after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. The foreground is filled with rubble and the ruins of surrounding buildings. — *The original Ryōgoku Kokugikan after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. Image in the public domain.*

1944–1945 – During World War II, the building was requisitioned by the Japanese military for balloon bomb production and suffered extensive damage from air raids. It never reopened and was eventually dismantled.

An aerial black and white photograph of the Ryōgoku area in Tokyo following a World War Two air raid in 1944, showing widespread devastation with only a few buildings left standing. The circular roof of the Ryōgoku Kokugikan sumo arena is prominently visible amid the surrounding rubble. — The Ryōgoku area including the Ryōgoku Kogugikan after a 1944 air raid in World War Two. The arena is the domed building in the middle right of the image between the Ryōgoku Station in the foreground and Ryōgoku Bridge in the rear right of the image. Image in the public domain.

The Creation of the Japan Sumo Association

As sumo continued to evolve, it became clear that stronger central governance was needed. On 28 December 1925, the Japan Sumo Association was officially established under the name Zaidan Hōjin Dai Nihon Sumō Kyōkai. This marked a key shift in how the sport was managed.

Before this, regional factions and individual promoters organised tournaments with little standardisation. The new association created a unified structure, overseeing rankings, stables, rules, and tournament operations — laying the foundation for the modern professional sumo system.

Sumo After World War Two

Like much of Japan, sumo had to recover and rebuild after World War II. With Tokyo heavily bombed and the original Ryōgoku Kokugikan damaged beyond repair, tournaments were held at temporary venues, including baseball stadiums and public halls, as the country regained its footing.

Despite the upheaval, sumo remained a popular draw and helped lift national spirits in the postwar recovery.

A black-and-white historical photograph captures a dramatic sumo wrestling match between Azumafuji and Tochinishiki on October 29, 1953. One wrestler is mid-air, being forcefully thrown by his opponent, with his body arched backward and arms flailing. The other wrestler maintains a firm stance, gripping his opponent’s mawashi (sumo belt) while executing the throw. The sumo ring (dohyō) is surrounded by a packed audience, with spectators in suits and traditional attire watching intently. In the background, banners with Japanese text advertising Meiji caramel and other products hang above the arena. The photograph conveys the intensity and power of sumo wrestling in mid-20th century Japan. — Sumo Wrestling Bout – Azumafuji vs Tochinishiki 29 October 1953. Azumafuji defeats Tochinishiki with an overarm throw. Image in the Public Domain.

Kuramae Kokugikan (1950–1984)

After the war, the damaged Ryōgoku Kokugikan was eventually torn down, and sumo needed a new venue. The Kuramae Kokugikan was built in the Kuramae neighbourhood in Taito Ward, Tokyo, to become the new permanent home of sumo. Tournaments were held there from 1950 to 1953 while it was still under construction, but it was officially completed in September 1954.

A black and white photo showing the exterior of the Kuramae Kokugikan sumo arena in Tokyo in 1950, with traditional banners, entrance decorations, and a Japanese flag flying above the roof, surrounded by early postwar street activity and vehicles. — *Exterior of the Kuramae Kokugikan, 1950. Image in the public domain.*

It introduced several upgrades, including:

An interior roof (called the tsuriyane) suspended above the ring by cables was installed in 1952, designed without the traditional supporting pillars of the previous tsuriyane. It gave spectators a clear view from all angles.
Heating
A new space for the Sumo Museum

A crowded black and white photo of the interior of the Kuramae Kokugikan sumo arena in 1950, with spectators filling the venue and a Japanese flag hanging above the sumo ring where a tournament is taking place. — *Inside the Kuramae Kokugikan, 1950. Image in the public domain.*

This stadium became the main venue for tournaments for over 30 years. While it wasn’t as iconic as Ryōgoku, it kept the sport going and allowed sumo to rebuild its fan base. However, it began to show its age, so planning began to return sumo to Ryōgoku in a new purpose-built arena.

The Second Ryōgoku Kokugikan

In 1985, sumo returned to its spiritual home of Ryōgoku with the opening of the new Ryōgoku Kokugikan — a modern stadium that still hosts three of the six annual tournaments today. With a capacity of over 11,000, the new arena brought sumo back to where it belonged.

Photograph of the modern Ryōgoku Kokugikan, a large sumo wrestling arena in Tokyo, Japan, taken during the daytime. The building features a distinctive green, pagoda-style roof with wooden accents, reflecting traditional Japanese architectural elements. In the foreground, a street scene includes a small food stall, people walking, and a parked black car. In the background, Tokyo Skytree and a tall, cylindrical modern building are visible, juxtaposing the arena's traditional design with the city's contemporary skyline. The clear blue sky adds to the vibrant atmosphere of the scene. — The current Ryōgoku Kokugikan opened in 1985.
Credit to R96340. Image shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Sumo Goes Global: International Tours and Foreign Wrestlers

After World War II, sumo started gaining attention outside Japan. In 1965, top wrestlers like Taihō and Kashiwado took part in goodwill matches in the Soviet Union, helping introduce the sport overseas. These tours sparked a growing interest abroad.

In the 1960s, wrestlers from outside Japan began making their mark in sumo. Hawaiian-born Takamiyama became the first foreign wrestler to win a top division championship in 1972. He was followed by Konishiki, also from Hawaii, who was promoted to ōzeki in 1987, becoming the first foreigner to reach that rank. Akebono, another Hawaiian, made history as the first non-Japanese yokozuna in 1993.

European wrestlers also found success: Kotoōshū from Bulgaria reached ōzeki in 2005, and Baruto from Estonia achieved the same rank in 2010. Mongolian wrestlers like Asashōryū, Hakuhō, and Terunofuji have dominated the upper ranks in recent years.

In 2025, two Ukrainian wrestlers reached the top makuuchi division. Aonishiki, aged 21, made his debut in March and achieved an impressive 11–4 record, earning the Fighting Spirit Prize. His compatriot Shishi, 28, returned to the top division for his second appearance and secured a solid 9–6 record. Their achievements highlight sumo’s growing international diversity.

Places to Explore If You’re Interested in Sumo History

If sumo has caught your interest and you’re visiting Japan, there are some great spots to explore that bring the sport’s long history to life.

Sumo Museum (Tokyo)

Located inside the Ryōgoku Kokugikan stadium in Tokyo, the Sumo Museum is a small but fascinating stop. Established in 1954, it features rotating displays of sumo-related items like woodblock prints, ceremonial aprons, and photos of famous wrestlers.

Entry is free, but if you’re visiting during a tournament, you’ll need a valid ticket to get in. Be aware it’s a small space — good for a quick visit if you’re already at the Kokugikan.

Sumo Sites Near Nara

Nara is best known for its temples and deer park, but it’s also linked to some of the oldest sumo stories.

Sumo Shrine – Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture

The Sumo Shrine (Sumo Jinja) is traditionally seen as the birthplace of sumo. This is where the first recorded match between mortals — Nomi no Sukune vs Taima no Kehaya — is said to have taken place around 23 BCE, during Emperor Suinin’s reign.

The shrine has a sumo ring and monuments marking this early event. It’s a peaceful spot to reflect on the sport’s spiritual origins and can be reached via a short bus ride from Sakurai Station. It’s also part of the Yamanobe-no-Michi trail — Japan’s oldest road.

A stone statue of a sumo wrestler in a dynamic pose stands on a pedestal, surrounded by cherry blossom trees in full bloom. The wrestler has a determined expression, with one arm raised and the other extended forward. He wears a traditional sumo mawashi with an intricately carved pattern. The background features a bright blue sky, pink cherry blossoms, and a traditional Japanese torii gate partially visible on the right. The setting is serene, with lush greenery and rolling hills in the distance, suggesting a historic or spiritual location, possibly a shrine. — *The Sumo Shrine in Sakurai City on the Yamanobe-no-Michi Trail is said to be the location for the first recorded bout between mortals.*

Kehayaza Sumo Museum – Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture

Dedicated to Taima no Kehaya, this museum has around 13,000 documents and artifacts tied to early sumo history. You’ll also find a full-sized sumo ring you can walk around and learn from.

The Kehayaza Sumo Museum is a five-minute walk from Kintetsu Taimadera Station and makes a great side trip for sumo fans staying in Nara or Osaka.

Viewing the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki Texts

The Kojiki (712 CE) and Nihon Shoki (720 CE) are the oldest written sources mentioning sumo — including both the mythological match between gods and the first recorded human bout.

The original manuscripts no longer exist, but early copies are sometimes displayed at major museums like the Tokyo National Museum and the Kyoto National Museum during special exhibitions. Check their schedules ahead of time if you’re hoping to view them.

You can also access English translations online:

Kojiki – translated by Basil Hall Chamberlain (1882). See Section 32 for the story of Takemikazuchi and Takeminakata.
Nihon Shoki – translated by William George Aston (1896). Book VI includes the story of Nomi no Sukune.

Don’t forget to grab our FREE Sumo Experiences in Japan ebook. It breaks down all the options to help you plan a sumo experience that suits your travel style, budget and timing for both Tokyo and Osaka.

Bibliography

A collage of three images showing the history of sumo wrestling, including a traditional painting of a sumo match before nobles, a sepia-toned photo of an outdoor sumo event with a large crowd, and a dramatic black-and-white photo of a mid-air throw during a match, all overlaid with the title “The Fascinating History of Sumo Wrestling”. — *History of Sumo Wrestling – Pinterest Image*

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A promotional graphic titled “Watching Sumo at Ryogoku Kokugikan: Top Tips for First-Time Visitors,” featuring two photos below the header. The left image shows a sumo match in action with two wrestlers locked in a grapple in the ring, surrounded by spectators. The right image displays rows of red stadium seats filled with audience members inside the arena.

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Split image showing sumo wrestlers training inside a wooden dojo. On the left, several sumo wrestlers are warming up or sparring in a ring with sandy ground and wood-paneled walls. On the right, a close-up shows a sumo wrestler doing a push-up using a towel, emphasizing strength and discipline. A banner above reads, "You can watch sumo practice in Tokyo – Here’s how."

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Collage-style image with the title “5 Ways to Experience Sumo Wrestling in Tokyo” at the top in bold red and black. Below, five photos show different sumo experiences: live sumo wrestling in a stadium, wrestlers training in a sumo stable, a rikishi in a green mawashi performing a ceremonial squat, a tourist in a practice bout with a sumo trainer, and a playful photo booth cutout with a tourist’s face in a sumo wrestler's arms.

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Split-image promoting a sumo training experience for tourists in Japan. The left side shows a sumo wrestler mid-kick being guided by a coach in a checkered shirt, while the right side shows two sumo wrestlers helping a female tourist practice a sumo move in a training ring. Bold text at the top reads, "How to Book a Sumo Training Experience For Tourists."

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Tony Sutherland-Smith

Tony always dreamed of travel but didn’t get started until his mid-20s, when he met Anne and swapped his collection of travel brochures for real adventures.
A qualified elementary school teacher, he joined the blog in 2018 and transitioned to blogging full time in 2023.
Tony particularly enjoys exploring Japan’s street food, sumo tournaments, and hidden neighbourhoods in Tokyo.

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