What Happens After Retirement? Life After Sumo for Japan’s Wrestlers

What Happens After Retirement? Life After Sumo for Japan's Wrestlers

For many visitors, professional sumo wrestlers seem larger than life. They spend years competing in Japan’s national sport, following strict traditions and living in sumo stables dedicated entirely to training. But have you ever wondered what happens after they retire? Unlike many professional athletes who …

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Sumo: Fascinating Facts About Japan’s National Sport

10 things you didn't know about sumo fascinating facts about japan's national sport

Most people know sumo as Japan’s national sport, but there’s much more to it than two wrestlers trying to push each other out of a ring. Behind every match are centuries of traditions, fascinating customs, and surprising facts that many first-time visitors never expect. Whether …

How a Sumo Tournament Works: Everything First-Time Visitors Should Know

how a sumo tournament works everything first-time visitors should know

After learning about the history and traditions of sumo, the next question is usually: What is it actually like to attend a sumo tournament? For many first-time visitors, a Grand Sumo Tournament can feel very different from other sporting events. Matches are short, but the …

Japan’s 15 Most Inspiring World Heritage Sites, Chosen by Japanese Travelers – Part 3 (Ranks 11–15)

Japan’s 15 Most Inspiring World Heritage Sites, Chosen by Japanese Travelers - Part 3 (Ranks 11–15)

As we conclude our three-part series, we reveal the final five destinations in Japan’s 15 Most Inspiring World Heritage Sites, as voted by Japanese travelers. From the subtropical wilderness of Amami-Oshima to the magnificent architecture of Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the historic Tomioka Silk Mill, …

What Is Sumo? Discover Japan’s National Sport and Its 1,500-Year History

what is sumo discover japan's national sport and its 1500 year history

When most people think of Japan, they imagine cherry blossoms, sushi, Mount Fuji, and ancient temples. But there’s another cultural icon that has been part of Japanese life for over 1,500 years—sumo. Unlike many modern sports, sumo is deeply connected to Japanese history, religion, and …

Japan’s 15 Most Inspiring World Heritage Sites, Chosen by Japanese Travelers – Part 1 (Ranks 1–5)

Japan's 15 Most Inspiring World Heritage Sites, Chosen by Japanese Travelers - Part 1 (Ranks 1–5)

On June 29, 2026, TV Asahi aired a special program featuring “Japan’s 15 Most Inspiring World Heritage Sites, Chosen by Japanese Travelers.” From the breathtaking wilderness of Shiretoko to the iconic beauty of Mount Fuji, the timeless charm of Shirakawa-go, and the historic elegance of …