FEMALE
SUMO WRESTLING
SUMO WRESTLING
WON HER WEIGHT CLASS AT THE 25TH SUMO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS,
DOMINATING THE WOMEN’S MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION (65–73 KG) TO CLAIM THE TITLE.
2025–ongoing, Japan
This project explores the lives of female sumo wrestlers and how their
experiences reflect broader questions about feminism in Japan.
Sumo dates back to the 7th century and originated as a Shinto ritual.
The dohyo is considered sacred,
and women have traditionally been excluded.
While there is still no professional women’s sumo,
amateur participation is growing, with similar rules
but slight differences in dress and match length.
Women’s involvement reflects a gradual form of feminist change in Japan.
Although many wrestlers participate out of passion rather than activism,
their presence challenges tradition
and reveals ongoing tensions between progress and conservatism.
This project explores the lives of female sumo wrestlers and how their
experiences reflect broader questions about feminism in Japan.
Sumo dates back to the 7th century and originated as a Shinto ritual.
The dohyo is considered sacred,
and women have traditionally been excluded.
While there is still no professional women’s sumo,
amateur participation is growing, with similar rules
but slight differences in dress and match length.
Women’s involvement reflects a gradual form of feminist change in Japan.
Although many wrestlers participate out of passion rather than activism,
their presence challenges tradition
and reveals ongoing tensions between progress and conservatism.