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Sumo is a competitive full-contact wrestling sport where a rikishi (wrestler) attempts to force another wrestler out of a circular ring (dohyo) or to touch the ground with any body part other than the soles of his feet. The sport originated in Japan and is deeply rooted in Shinto traditions. Sumo tournaments, called honbasho, are held for fifteen days five times a year in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Each rikishi competes in one match per day. The winner of a tournament is the wrestler with the most wins.

Rikishi undergo rigorous training and adhere to a strict lifestyle. They live in communal sumo stables, called heya, where they train, eat, and sleep. Their diet is specifically designed to help them gain weight and strength, often consisting of a hearty stew called chankonabe. Rikishi are ranked according to their performance in tournaments, with the highest ranks being makuuchi and yokozuna. A yokozuna is the highest rank and is a lifelong title that cannot be lost through poor performance.

The matches themselves are often very short, sometimes lasting only a few seconds. However, the build-up and rituals surrounding the matches are an integral part of the sport. Before each bout, rikishi perform several purification rituals, including throwing salt into the ring to cleanse it. The outcome of a sumo match is determined by the first wrestler to be forced out of the ring or to touch the ground with any part of their body other than their feet.