Sumo is a traditional form of Japanese wrestling with a long history, which started over 1500 years ago. It was officially designated as Japan's national sport in 1909. In ancient time, sumo was practiced as agricultural and Shinto rituals, so it still includes many ceremonial elements. For example, each wrestler throws salt when they go up on the ring to purify it.

Sumo wrestlers wear nothing but have Mawashi (a type of belt) around their waists, and they wear topknots on their heads. The strongest wrestlers are called Yokozuna, and they have no weight limit. These days, we have many foreign Sumo wrestlers. Once they become Yokozuna, they have to keep the top status. If they lose a match, there's no second chance. They have to retire, so, Yokozuna must fight against lots of pressure.

Recently a public sumo exhibition was held at the Royal Public Hall in London, and the tickets sold out. It's because it was their first performance in 34 years.

If you're curios about the event, please check it out here.

They'll perform in Paris next year for the first time in 31 years. If they come to your town, it's a wonderful opportunity to experience Japanese culture. I highly recommend you to see it in person.

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