Sumo encompasses very strict rules and traditions that have prompted other top wrestlers to pursue careers outside the sport. Hakuho retired from active wrestling in 2021.

Through his journey, theatergoers learn about sumo wrestling’s origins, its spiritual connections to Shinto, the historical Japanese religion, and other aspects of its lore.

Japanese sumo wrestler Onosato (C) and his Nishonoseki stable master (R) attend the "yokozuna," or grand champion, promotion ceremony in Ami Town, Ibaraki prefecture, Japan, May 28, 2025.

The sport has a new champion — and he's Japanese Onosato receives the trophy after winning in a sumo wrestling tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in Tokyo, Sunday, May 25, 2025. Credit: AP ...

DETROW: The Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament comes to an end this weekend. Just ahead of the rise of a new yokozuna, or grand champion, we reached out to NHK sumo announcer Ross Mihara.

Earlier this year, Lisa Sanaye Dring’s play Sumo opened at New York City’s Public Theater to positive reviews. The play was set in the world of students learning the craft of sumo wrestling in ...