Sumo proves big pull for tourists

In the spotlight: Japan’s national sport – hundreds of years old and steeped in tradition – has long been a source of fascination outside the country. — AFP

Their interest piqued during Covid-19 lockdowns and by a new Netflix drama, a fresh rush of foreign tourists are flocking to Japan for a look inside the insular world of sumo.

Japan’s national sport – hundreds of years old and steeped in tradition – has long been a source of fascination outside the country, but those in the industry say interest has spiked in recent years, with some making the most of the new attention.