The sport of sumo, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, has a strong connection to Shintoism. Before the start of a grand tournament, the head referee, dressed as a Shinto priest, performs a Shinto ritual. The yokozuna, the highest-ranked sumo wrestler, wears a braided rope around his waist resembling the sacred “shimenawa” rope seen during New Year holidays and other occasions.
In collaboration with major shrines across Japan, ritual matches called “hono sumo” are held nationwide. Tokyo’s Meiji Jingu shrine has a special relationship with the Japan Sumo Association. When a wrestler achieves promotion to yokozuna rank, Meiji Jingu hosts a ceremony to commemorate this achievement. Additionally, the new yokozuna famously performs his first ring-entering ceremony in front of the shrine’s main hall.
Every year after the Autumn Grand Tournament, Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan holds an event called the “All-Japan Sumo Wrestlers Competition” as part of Meiji Jingu Autumn Grand Festival celebrations. This tournament is considered sumo’s oldest in Japan and was established in 1925 during the Taisho era (1912-1926). It has been canceled several times due to war or other reasons but resumed this year for its 81st edition.
The title of this event uses characters that imply participants are more than just ordinary athletes; they are like samurais or warriors. In its inaugural tournament, retired yokozuna Tochigiyama made an appearance and defeated active yokozuna to claim victory—an anecdote that seems unimaginable today.
Past champions include legendary figures such as Futabayama, Taiho Kitanoumi,and Chiyonofuji. This year’s champion was ozeki Kotozakura who defeated newly promoted ozeki Onosato in the final match since injured yokozuna Terunofuji was absent from competition.
Interestingly enough,Kotozakura’s grandfather—a previous yokozuna—never won this tournament himself.As Kotozakura proudly wore an armlet with a chrysanthemum crest awarded to champions on his right bicep he commented,”I’m happy I could add my name [Kotozakura]to the champions’ list.” Despite having an average record at this Autumn tourney (8-7), he hopes for success at future grand tournaments.
With hopes that Kotozakura appreciates and respects this event’s long history and sacredness,I look forward to seeing him return stronger at Kyushu Grand Tournament.