As sumo returns to London for the first time in over three decades, sumo commentator and former wrestler John Gunning unpacks this ancient yet inextricably modern sport.
Whether it’s a cursory glance or a deep dive, any examination of Japan’s national sport inevitably throws up one indisputable fact: sumo is a world of contrasts.
Nowhere is that better exemplified than by its significant presence on social media. It’s fair to assume that, among the roughly 3.5 billion TikTok and Instagram accounts that exist in 2025, few of them discuss subjects which had a real world presence two millennia ago.
The mythical origins of sumo
Sumo however did, and according to legend can trace its roots all the way back to a fight that took place in 23 B.C. in what is now Nara prefecture, in central Japan.
According to a description in the Nihon Shoki – a 720 A.D. text which is one of Japan’s oldest books – Nomi no Sukune defeated (and killed) Taima no Kehaya in front of Emperor Suinin. The Emperor had ordered the contest, as a result of Taima no Kehaya boasting he was the strongest man under the heavens.
While bearing little resemblance to sumo as it looks in 2025, the fight is considered the origin of the sport. A shrine was later built on the site with the exact location now marked by a modern day ring.
A gallery of 2 items.
Flash forward a couple of thousand years and we find this ancient martial art has embraced 21st century social media with an enthusiasm and vigour far greater than numerous other athletic endeavours which came of age after the advent of telecommunications.
Even in a nation famed for an everyday cohabitation of the traditional and the modern, that’s a striking dichotomy. It isn’t however out of character for sumo.
Where ancient meets modern
Upon entering the arena we immediately see athletes clad only in loincloths sharing the ring with referees decked out in intricate combinations of clothing which come in a dazzling array of patterns and colors.
During bouts, bursts of ferocious violence take place within strict confines, with the adrenaline and raw emotion of young men bound and restrained by codified dignity.
Taking a wider view, we find a sport, which although inextricably linked with Japanese mores and traditions, has been dominated for decades by wrestlers born in Mongolia.
Sumo’s incongruities, as well as its blend of religion, culture, history and entertainment make it one of the most fascinating sports on the planet – as well as arguably the most addictive.
The latter can be seen in the fact that among its huge domestic following and expanding international audience, is a significant number of people who follow no other sport.
Sumo’s global appeal
That global demographic grew significantly when Covid-19 hit, as people across the world – confined to their homes and screens during lockdowns – discovered sumo online and were immediately hooked.
Overseas consumption of English-language sumo content surged by as much as 600% in the early years of the 2020s and, based on recent metrics, it would appear many of those newer fans have stuck with the sport long after pandemic restrictions were lifted.
That’s quite a statement for a sport which at its heart is simply two massive humans trying to force each other to the ground, or out of a 4.55m circular ring.
A gallery of 2 items.
Possibly recognizing parallels to rugby front rows or American football offensive lines, perhaps newer fans abroad are attracted to sumo as the ultimate manifestation of raw explosive power.
Without modern equipment and with tactics and techniques honed over centuries, it’s the epitome of one-on-one, open and fair combat.
Tradition and the banzuke
More often than not however, when asked what drew them to sumo, fans cite the aforementioned contrasts and the “living history” aspect of a sport which has undergone little significant change inside the ring in centuries.
Nowhere is that continuation of tradition more apparent than in the banzuke.
Updated after each of sumo’s six yearly tournaments, the banzuke is a single large sheet of specialized calligraphy that contains the ranking of every wrestler in the sport from superstar Yokozuna (Grand Champions) in large kanji (Japanese characters derived from Chinese) at the very top to lowly 15-year-old hopefuls whose names are in tiny barely legible characters near the bottom.
Each banzuke is a (beautiful and intricate) snapshot of sumo at a moment in time. Quarter scale reproductions are sold in their thousands each tournament, and are one of the sport’s most popular souvenirs.
A gallery of 2 items.
Tegata
Tegata (autographed handprints) of wrestlers are another popular item. Originals aren’t actually sold in merchandise stores but instead made for supporters and friends. Only men who reach the top two (of six) divisions may create tegata. Those belonging to historical greats from the 1700s or 1800s are highly sought after, and often fetch large sums from dedicated collectors.
Souvenirs aren’t the only holdover from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Much of modern sumo life remains as it was 200 years ago. Training methods, lifestyles and hierarchies in 2025 would be instantly recognizable to a wrestler from 1825.
Adapting to the modern world
That of course has meant some aspects of sumo have become increasingly out of place in the modern world. The ban on women setting foot in the ring, or the antiquated attitudes to injury and athlete care in particular have received significant coverage (and criticism) in recent years.
The sport has made strides in addressing those issues, but it’s a delicate balancing act. Not only are the traditional facets those which most attract fans, but sumo, in addition to being a sport, is a lifestyle and a practice whose perpetuation is the official mission of its governing body.
Twenty first century sumo has social media accounts, QR code tickets, an endless stream of merchandise and promotional tie-ins, but also training methods unchanged from the 1700s, traditional clothing and samurai-style top knots.
Perhaps more than any other athletic endeavour on the planet sumo links the past and the present, blending them together in a vertigo-inducing mix of the traditional and modern.
It is unique and instantly addictive. Sumo’s contrasts make it one of the most fascinating activities found anywhere in the world.
Sumo’s return to London
London residents will have an opportunity to experience sumo’s enthralling mix of elite athleticism, pageantry, and breath-taking intensity in person later this year.
Returning to the Royal Albert Hall for the first time since 1991, the Japan Sumo Association will hold a five day tournament from 15-18 October 2025.
Three decades ago, a sold-out run at the historic venue captured the attention of the public at large and capitalized on interest built through Channel 4’s coverage of sumo.
With the significantly greater access to sumo that exists in 2025, demand for tickets is certain to far outstrip supply once again.
Those lucky enough to secure seats are in for a treat.
John Gunning is a sumo commentator and journalist who covers the sport for the Japan Times, and national broadcaster NHK.
Originally from Ireland, Gunning has lived in Japan for 25 years, and is a former amateur sumo wrestler who spent a decade training alongside professionals, as well as competing in numerous tournaments including three World Championships.