Sumo is a form of heavyweight wrestling in Japan. The sport is considered as Japan’s national sport and recognized by the International Olympic Committee, but we really don’t know how the wrestlers live and train.
The life of the rikishi, also known as professional sumo wrestlers, can now be seen by others through a series of photographs by Lord K2, a London-born photographer. The artist was granted access to take images of these wrestlers as they go from match to match and also live their daily lives. “As Japan has surged forward into modernity, this corner of culture has remained anchored to ancient tradition. Sumo is an entity in which history, culture, pride, and athleticism combine,” the photographer explained in his book, titled Sumo, where all of his images of the rikishi can be seen.
As to why the lives of these athletes are not privy to the public, Lord K2 explained that their stables are not available for tourists. “[...] only a few stables can be visited, and only as long as the list of behavioral restrictions is strictly adhered to,” he shared.
Sumo wrestlers are highly revered by fans and enthusiasts of the sport. The photographer also explained that Japanese youngsters are difficult to convince to enter the sport, thanks to the gruesome routines, as well as the reduced life expectancy. It is a lifelong commitment. “Those who dedicate themselves to the sport give not only their body but their lives. They give themselves as a relic, an offering to past masters and gods. Rikishi are not just wrestlers, they are the antiquated, traditional Japanese gentlemen. A century after the last samurai, their cousins live on,” Lord K2 declared.
Image credit: Lord K2