They eat…and eat…and then eat some more. But there’s more to it than that. (Did we mention they eat?) BACKGROUNDSumo wrestling, often called Japan’s national sport, is said to date back to prehistoric times, though it only gained popularity as a spectator sport in the early 17th century. The concept is simple: The wrestler (or rikishi), wearing only a loincloth, loses the match if any part of his body (other than the soles of his feet) touches the ring painted on the floor, or if his opponent pushes or throws him out of the ring. Other than that, there are few rules in sumo wrestling, and a match can be over in a matter of seconds. One referee calls the match, and five judges must concur. When they’re not competing, the wrestlers live together in heyas, or stables, buildings where they sleep, eat, train, and relax. Sumo is hierarchical: The high-ranking, older rikishis are at the top; the younger rikishis serve the older men, study their fighting techniques, and train for several hours a day.
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