One Place, One Story: The Ring of Tradition
We step into the world of ancient rituals and raw power at a sumo tournament in Tokyo, held on January 13, 2025. Sumo, Japan’s national sport, is more than a contest of strength—it’s a deeply rooted cultural tradition, combining athleticism with centuries-old Shinto rituals.
Sumo tournaments, or basho, are divided into ranks, with Yokozuna being the highest and most revered. These elite wrestlers embody not only physical dominance but also the dignity and grace demanded by the role. At the time of this tournament, Yokozuna Terunofuji stood at the top, representing the pinnacle of sumo’s discipline and heritage, despite battling injuries.
Using my Pentax K1000 paired with Kodak Portra 800 film, I sought to capture the energy and emotion of the dohyo (sumo ring), where wrestlers meet in a balance of power, precision, and ceremony. The Portra 800 film allowed me to document the vibrant mawashi (belts), the intense facial expressions of the wrestlers, and the electric atmosphere of the crowd.