Sumo wrestling championship concludes this weekend
The Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament concludes this weekend, signaling the rise of a new yokozuna, or grand champion. To gain insight into the tournament's final stages, NPR reached out to NHK sumo announcer Ross Mihara.
Mihara, a seasoned play-by-play announcer for Japanese public broadcasting, has been an integral part of this two-week event. In the Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament, rankings are based not on size but on wins, making the sport's outcome unpredictable and exciting.
"Sumo is more than just two large individuals colliding," Mihara explained. "It's a captivating display of technique, finesse, and stamina that sets it apart from other combat sports."
The lack of weight classes in sumo adds to the sport's allure, as fans revel in the spectacle of a small wrestler challenging a much larger opponent. In the confined dirt ring, a complex dance of strength and agility unfolds, with every move counting towards victory.
"The sport's rules are universal, making it simple to understand. If any body part other than the soles of the wrestler's feet touch the ground, the match is lost," Mihara emphasized. "Stepping out of the ring or losing balance also results in defeat."
Over the course of 15 matches in 15 days, sumo's top superstars fight tirelessly for the ultimate prize. Their dedication, coupled with the rigorous training required to excel in the sport, ensures that sumo remains a demanding profession.
"Sumo is not merely a sport; it's a lifestyle for these athletes. It's a particularly harsh way to earn a living, but these wrestlers are incredibly dedicated," Mihara said.
The fans filling the Tokyo dojo cheer for the continuous battles, but their primary focus is Onosato, the rising star aiming to claim the championship. Dubbed the "Shohei Ohtani of sumo" for his extraordinary talent, Onosato's rapid ascent through the ranks has captured the nation's attention.
Initially promoted to the yokozuna rank on January 7, Onosato made history as the first Japanese-born yokozuna since Kisenosato in 2017. His rapid rise to the top has rekindled interest in sumo and bolstered Japanese pride in a sport that has seen success from international wrestlers, particularly those from Mongolia.
With only one match remaining, the giant men in the dirt ring will fight to crown a new sumo champion. Onosato's performance will undoubtedly be closely watched, as the nation eagerly awaits the continuation of its reinvigorated passion for this centuries-old sport.
Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
Note: The provided Enrichment Data was utilized to enhance the article with a brief summary of Onosato's background, his significance in Japanese sumo, and a comparison to Shohei Ohtani. These details were integrated into the article to provide context while maintaining a focus on the impending sumo tournament and Onosato's significant role in it.
In the same vein of traditional martial arts, mixed-martial-arts could also be an intriguing spectacle for NPR, showcasing the clash of various techniques and skillsets, much like the unpredictable and thrilling Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament.
Indeed, the captivating displays of Onosato, the rapidly rising "Shohei Ohtani of sumo," in the sumo ring, mirror the excitement that mixed-martial-arts enthusiasts experience when observing a skilled fighter employ a diverse array of combat styles.
