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Sumo Procession, Niigata
Iron flowers of Japanese manhood, sumo wrestlers are living icons—heroes of a national sport framed by religious symbolism. Once supported by the patronage of emperors, sumo has roots going back nearly 1,500 years. Before an exhibition tournament in Niigata, competitors trussed in ceremonial aprons enter the arena in the stately and ritualized dohyo-iri procession.
Photograph by Robb Kendrick

Sumo

See photos of Japanese sumo wrestlers in this travel and cultures photo gallery from National Geographic.

Published June 9, 2010