Search

Find uplifting stories about heroes, innovations, and solutions

17 results for "sumo"

Ukrainian Refugee, 21, Wins Second Sumo Title in Japan
SportsJan 25

Ukrainian Refugee, 21, Wins Second Sumo Title in Japan

A young Ukrainian wrestler who fled war three years ago just won his second straight sumo championship in Tokyo, bringing him closer to achieving what no European has ever done. Danylo Yavhusishyn is now one step away from sumo's highest rank.

Japan Today2 min read
Rising Sumo Star Kirishima Shines as Top Wrestlers Struggle
SportsMay 13

Rising Sumo Star Kirishima Shines as Top Wrestlers Struggle

While six of sumo's seven highest-ranked wrestlers faltered at Japan's Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, newly promoted ōzeki Kirishima stands alone undefeated. His winning streak is giving fans hope during an unexpectedly challenging competition.

Japan Times2 min read
73-Year-Old Jam Maker Now Leads Global Sumo Federation
SolutionsFeb 27

73-Year-Old Jam Maker Now Leads Global Sumo Federation

A grandmother from rural Australia accidentally became one of the world's leading sumo wrestling experts after snapping a single photo in Japan. Now at 73, Katrina Watts leads the International Sumo Federation while still making award-winning jams at home. #

ABC Australia2 min read
Sumo Underdog Wakatakakage Wins Rare Emperor's Cup
SportsMay 27

Sumo Underdog Wakatakakage Wins Rare Emperor's Cup

A lower-ranked sumo wrestler just pulled off one of the sport's rarest achievements. Wakatakakage became only the 11th komusubi to win Japan's Emperor's Cup since 1931.

Japan Times2 min read
Beloved Sumo Wrestler Chiyomaru Retires with a Smile
Community HeroesApr 15

Beloved Sumo Wrestler Chiyomaru Retires with a Smile

After 15 years of bringing joy to sumo wrestling, Chiyomaru has retired as one of the sport's most beloved figures. His infectious smile and warm personality brightened a traditionally serious sport.

Japan Times2 min read
Sumo Wrestling Draws Thousands of Foreign Fans to Japan
Global NewsFeb 14

Sumo Wrestling Draws Thousands of Foreign Fans to Japan

Ancient sumo wrestling is having a modern moment as thousands of international tourists pack tournaments and training sessions across Tokyo. For the second year running, all 90 days of matches sold out.

Japan Today2 min read
Elite Sumo Wrestlers Return to Paris After 30 Years
Global NewsJun 14

Elite Sumo Wrestlers Return to Paris After 30 Years

Japan's top sumo wrestlers are back in Paris for the first time in over three decades, bringing their sacred sport to French fans in a rare international showcase. A 150-strong delegation traveled on two chartered planes for this weekend cultural celebration.

France 24 English2 min read
Ukrainian Refugee Wins Second Sumo Tournament in Tokyo
SportsJan 25

Ukrainian Refugee Wins Second Sumo Tournament in Tokyo

A 21-year-old wrestler who fled war-torn Ukraine just three years ago claimed his second consecutive sumo championship in Tokyo. Aonishiki's back-to-back victories mark a historic rise in one of Japan's most traditional sports.

Japan Times2 min read
Sumo Wrestler Opens Yakiniku Restaurant After 20 Years
Sports2d ago

Sumo Wrestler Opens Yakiniku Restaurant After 20 Years

Tsurugisho spent two decades climbing through professional sumo's brutal ranks, but his retirement in April went almost unnoticed. Now he's starting fresh at a yakiniku restaurant in Tokyo, highlighting the quiet courage of athletes who give everything without fame or fortune.

Japan Times2 min read
Paris Sumo Tournament Uses 200kg of Sacred French Salt
InnovationJun 10

Paris Sumo Tournament Uses 200kg of Sacred French Salt

A rare sumo tournament in Paris is using 200 kilograms of specially prepared French sea salt for sacred rituals that purify the ring before each match. Salt producers in coastal France hand-crafted the fleur de sel to exact specifications, connecting ancient Japanese tradition with local French craftsmanship.

Japan Today3 min read
Retired Sumo Wrestlers Finally Get to Smile in New Tournament
SportsApr 2

Retired Sumo Wrestlers Finally Get to Smile in New Tournament

Japan's famously stoic sumo wrestlers are breaking tradition at a new tournament designed for retired competitors. For the first time, these former athletes can show joy and personality without breaking sport's strict code of conduct.

Japan Times2 min read
Sumo Returns to Paris to Deepen Cultural Ties
Acts of KindnessJun 3

Sumo Returns to Paris to Deepen Cultural Ties

Japan's national sport is heading back to Europe for a two-day exhibition in Paris this June, building on last year's successful London event. This time, the focus is on cultural authenticity and long-term partnerships rather than flashy spectacle.

Japan Times2 min read
Ukrainian Refugee, 21, Becomes Sumo Star in Japan
SportsFeb 5

Ukrainian Refugee, 21, Becomes Sumo Star in Japan

A young Ukrainian refugee is shattering records in sumo while speaking Japanese better than most foreign athletes ever do. Aonishiki's story shows how determination and focus can turn tragedy into triumph on the other side of the world.

Japan Times2 min read
Tokyo Babies Battle It Out in Centuries-Old Crying Contest
Daily MixApr 26

Tokyo Babies Battle It Out in Centuries-Old Crying Contest

At a historic Tokyo temple, sumo wrestlers held babies in a cheerful competition to see who could cry the loudest. The 400-year-old tradition celebrates healthy babies and brings families together for a uniquely joyful event.

Japan Today2 min read
Sports Tourism Soars as Non-Fans Pack 'Boy Aquarium' Games
Daily MixMar 22

Sports Tourism Soars as Non-Fans Pack 'Boy Aquarium' Games

Nearly 40% of travelers now attend sporting events on trips, but most aren't going for the sport itself. They're chasing the electric atmosphere, cultural connection, and shared joy that only live games can deliver.

Euronews3 min read
Ghana Girls Build Robot in 30 Seconds, Place 4th Globally
Community HeroesMay 23

Ghana Girls Build Robot in 30 Seconds, Place 4th Globally

An all-female robotics team from Bosomtwe STEM Girls Senior High School in Ghana placed fourth at the 2026 World Robofest Championship, assembling a competition robot in just 30 seconds. Their homecoming at Prempeh I Airport featured traditional dance, a cadet guard of honor, and hundreds of cheering supporters.

Myjoyonline Ghana2 min read
Giant Muscular Cockroach Statue Revives Japanese Village
Daily MixJun 12

Giant Muscular Cockroach Statue Revives Japanese Village

A five-foot bronze cockroach with bulging muscles is bringing tourists from around the world to a quiet mountain village in Japan. What started as a pest control company's quirky memorial has become an unlikely bridge between a remote community and global visitors.

Upworthy2 min read