Countries and cultures - Cultures and customs - Japan - Traditional sports
Which traditional sport is considered Japan’s national sport?
Correct!
Sumo is regarded as Japan’s traditional national sport. Its roots go far back and are closely connected with Shinto. Early forms of sumo are said to have been performed as ritual displays at shrine festivals. Many religious elements have survived to this day. Before a bout, for example, wrestlers scatter salt into the ring as a symbolic act of purification. The match takes place in a circular ring called a dohyo. A wrestler wins, among other ways, by pushing the opponent out of the ring or making them touch the ground with any body part other than the soles of the feet. The Japan National Tourism Organization explicitly describes sumo as Japan’s national sport.
Sumo is Japan’s traditional national sport and still preserves ritual elements.
