The Changing Face of Sumo Wrestling

The Changing Face of Sumo Wrestling Racked by scandal and inundated with foreign competitors, the traditional Japanese sport struggles to keep up with the times
James Whitlow Delano / Redux for TIME

Competition
In just over a decade, foreigners have so come to dominate sumo that at a recent tournament in Nagoya there was only one Japanese competing in the two highest ranks. Highly ranked Baruto, right, is originally from Estonia.

share

Get the Latest Photos from Time.com
Get TIME photos and pictures of the week delivered directly to your inbox.