Sumo wrestling from Japan is among the world’s oldest sports, dating back at least 1,500 years. The rules are simple: square off with an opponent, in a ring lined with sand, then try to push the other ...

Stadiums were half empty and television ratings plummeted to single digits. Then came Wakanohana. He was Japan's 66th yokozuna -- sumo's top rank -- and he was an instant success.

But what went on inside the ring turned out to be as exciting as ever. Spring tourney roundup -- Sumo wrestlers rock empty stadium | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News Spring tourney roundup -- Sumo wrestlers ...

Sumo's spring tournament began behind closed doors on Sunday, the latest big event in Japan to be hit by the coronavirus less than five months before the Tokyo Olympics.

Here, sumo wrestlers perform a ring entrance ceremony at the ceremonial sumo tournament held in dedication to Yasukuni Shrine — seen by many as a symbol of Japan's past militarism in Asia.

DETROW: The top sumo superstars find themselves in the ring 15 times in 15 days. MIHARA: It is a combat sport. But sumo is not just a sport. It's a lifestyle for these athletes.