What is "rikishi"?

Rikishi, also known as sumo wrestlers, are athletes who compete in the traditional Japanese sport of sumo. Sumo is a highly ritualized and physically demanding sport that has been practiced in Japan for centuries. Rikishi are revered in Japanese society and are considered to be symbols of strength, discipline, and honor.

The life of a rikishi is highly regimented and disciplined. From a young age, aspiring sumo wrestlers join a sumo stable, where they live and train under the guidance of a stablemaster. The stablemaster is responsible for the physical and mental development of the rikishi, as well as their daily training regimen and diet. Rikishi adhere to a strict code of conduct and are expected to show respect and humility both in and out of the ring.

One of the most distinctive features of rikishi is their unique appearance. Sumo wrestlers are known for their large, robust bodies, which are the result of a high-calorie diet and intense physical training. Rikishi wear a ceremonial mawashi, a type of loincloth, during matches, which is a symbol of their status as sumo wrestlers. The mawashi is also used as a grip during matches, as sumo wrestling is a full-contact sport where the objective is to force your opponent out of the ring or to the ground.

Rikishi compete in tournaments called basho, which are held six times a year in Japan. The most prestigious of these tournaments is the Grand Sumo Tournament, which takes place in Tokyo and attracts large crowds of spectators. The tournament lasts for 15 days, during which rikishi compete in matches against opponents of varying skill levels. The rikishi with the best record at the end of the tournament is declared the winner and is awarded the Emperor's Cup.

In addition to the Grand Sumo Tournament, rikishi can also earn promotions and demotions based on their performance in other tournaments throughout the year. The top division of sumo wrestling is known as the makuuchi division, and rikishi in this division are ranked based on their win-loss record. The highest rank a rikishi can achieve is yokozuna, which is reserved for the best sumo wrestlers in the sport.

One of the most famous rikishi in recent memory is Hakuho, a Mongolian sumo wrestler who dominated the sport for over a decade. Hakuho holds the record for the most career wins in sumo history and is considered one of the greatest sumo wrestlers of all time. His success has helped to popularize sumo wrestling both in Japan and around the world, as fans are drawn to his skill and dominance in the ring.

Despite its popularity, sumo wrestling has faced criticism in recent years for issues such as match-fixing and hazing within sumo stables. In 2011, a match-fixing scandal rocked the sumo world, leading to the expulsion of several rikishi and the resignation of the chairman of the Japan Sumo Association. The scandal exposed the darker side of sumo wrestling and raised questions about the integrity of the sport.

In response to these controversies, the Japan Sumo Association has implemented reforms to improve the transparency and accountability of sumo wrestling. Rikishi are now subject to stricter regulations and oversight, and efforts are being made to promote a culture of fair play and sportsmanship within the sport. These reforms are aimed at restoring the public's trust in sumo wrestling and ensuring the long-term viability of the sport.

In conclusion, rikishi are skilled athletes who compete in the ancient and revered sport of sumo wrestling. They embody the values of strength, discipline, and honor, and their rigorous training and dedication are a testament to their commitment to the sport. While sumo wrestling has faced challenges in recent years, the resilience and determination of rikishi continue to inspire fans around the world. As long as there are rikishi willing to uphold the traditions of sumo wrestling, the sport will continue to thrive and captivate audiences for generations to come.