Origin and History of Sumo

"Dohyoiri" (entering the Sumo ring) of the ceremonial tournament held in the shrine's precincts

Sumo is one of the oldest sports and has a history of over 1,500 years. The oldest chronicles of Japan; Kojiki (712) and the Nihon Shoki (720) have myths and tales of physical contests which are considered as the origins of Sumo. 

Apart from the myths and tales, the first sumo matches were a form of ritual dedicated to the gods, to pray for a bountiful harvest or fortune telling by farmers in the Yayoi Period (the 4th century B.C. - the 3rd century). The 8th century (The Nara Period) sumo was introduced into the ceremonies of the Imperial Court. 

"Sumai no Sachie" a wrestling festival watched by the emperor

"Sumai no Sechie" a wrestling festival watched by the emperor was held annually as the important ritual to pray for a rich harvest and the peace of the land in Heian period (794 - 1185).  Imperial Court sent scouts out over the country and brought the strong wrestlers together to fight. 

“Sumai no Sechie” continued for over 300 years. After a military dictatorship was established in Kamakura in 1192, Sumo was regarded chiefly for its military usefulness and as a means of increasing the efficiency of “Bushi” (warriors). They did Sumo as the training for the wars. 

“Oda Nobunaga” who is one of the Shoguns of the Azuchi Momoyama period (1573 – 1603) was a big fan of Sumo and he held Sumo tournaments a number of times. He gathered strong wrestlers from all over the country for the tournament and hired the strongest wrestler as his retainer. 

Nobunaga's Sumo tournament

The Edo period (1603 – 1868) "Kanjin Zumo" were held in shrines for fund raising to build shrines and temples.  Lately it became nominal and for commercial only. Professional sumo groups were organised to entertain and sumo came into its own as the national sport of Japan. The present Japan Sumo Association has its origins in these groups first formed in the Edo Period. 

By the end of 18th century, sumo became very popular when three strong wrestlers, Tani kaze, Ono gawa and Raiden were competing at Edo Kanjin Zumo. By this time, sumo had been established as entertainment for the common people. 

Raiden's statue in Suwa Taisha 

The Sumo is a sport as well as “Shinji” (Shinto ritual) because of its history that it was performed for gods. For that reason, the Sumo retains its formalised rituals and traditional etiquette intact. You can see the same things happening in Sumo as the people in the Edo period(1603 – 1868) saw.

"Dohyo" Sumo ring in Suwa Taisha. You see many shirines that have a Sumo ring in Japan.

If you have any question please do not hesitate to leave a comment or contact me.

Please contact if you are interested in watching any sumo matches with an English speaking Japanese guide who loves sumo.