Female sumo wrestlers push back against centuries of exclusion

Rio Hasegawa is leading the way for women as ancient sport grows globally

20250918 female wrestlers story bangkok

Rio Hasegawa, left, faces her opponent in a sumo bout in Bangkok this month. (Photo by Suzu Takahashi)

MASAKO HARA

TOKYO -- Women have for centuries been barred from stepping into professional sumo rings, or dohyo, their presence deemed "ritually impure" in what Shinto tradition considers a sacred space for men. But on an amateur level, the female version of the ancient sport is growing both in Japan and overseas.

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