Precis

Across the world female athletes have been revolutionising sport, pushing for recognition and pay to put them on an equal footing with their male equivalent.

In Japan, the ancient sport of sumo is wrestling with how to accept women competitors on an equal footing, challenging deeply held customs and traditions.  

On Foreign Correspondent this week the ABC’s North Asia correspondent James Oaten meets the women who are leading the charge to modernise attitudes and change the sport they love.

The world of sumo can be a secretive one, off limits to outsiders and the media.

But James is given a rare opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes in the sumo stable and to understand why there is such strong resistance to change. 

Episode teaser. Female sumo matches

Music

00:10

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: These athletes have come from across the world, seeking glory in Japan's most iconic sport – sumo. This is the most important tournament of the year for amateur female wrestlers. The winner will be crowned world champion.

AMERICAN SUMO:  This is the one.

00:22

This is the world championship. And you've got a lot of huge names on the list.

00:40

JAMES OATEN, Reporter:  And the fans are focused on two heavyweight champions. Hometown favourite Hiyori Kon.

00:44

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER: I'm ready to be a hero.

00:50

KANANO SUZUKI, ASPIRING SUMO:  Hiyori Kon is strong and I think she's cool.

00:53

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Her main rival is Ukrainian Ivanna Berezovska. At six foot one she towers over Hiyori. Size isn't her only advantage; Ukrainian female sumo can get government financial support. Japanese women don't.

00:58

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER: Women's sumo has little value here. I don't think the government,  many companies or universities recognise it.

01:17

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: In sumo, it's all about the men.

01:25

PROF MASATAKA SUZUKI, KEIO UNIVERSITY: The Sumo Association is an extremely male-centred society. Whenever these women's issues come up, the Grand Sumo Association always brings up the word "tradition" and believes that it can't be changed.

01:32

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER:  Women feel pressure to give priority to childcare, housework and such, and I feel it. People would say "Why is a woman still doing sumo?"

01:45

James to camera

JAMES OATEN, Reporter:  These female sumo are determined to change old attitudes.  They're pushing for respect, and even the chance to go pro. It's a huge challenge, but they're up for the fight.

02:00

Title: SUMO SISTERS

Music

02:14

Tokyo GVs. Super:
TOKYO, JAPAN

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: One of the world's greatest metropolises, greater Tokyo, is home to over 37 million people. Amidst the hustle and bustle of this modern city, a deep connection to the past remains,  where ancient culture and tradition blend seamlessly with the future.

02:21

Ota Arashi sumo club. Kids wrestle

VOICE: Fifty three… Fifty four… fifty five… fifty six…

02:43

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: It's a Saturday afternoon, and kids at the Ota Arashi sumo club are being put through their paces.

02:54

SUMO COACH:  Practicing when your body is cold increases the risk of injury, so be sure to warm up thoroughly.

03:15

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Today, they've got a trailblazing guest.

03:28

Hiyori at kids' sumo club

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER:  I think they're strong. I'm being overtaken.

0:32

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Hiyori Kon is a legend to these kids.

03:38

Hiyori interview

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER:  There are only two rules. Sumo is a one-on-one wrestling match, one fighter against another, and you lose if anywhere but the soles of your feet touch the dohyo.  Also if your body is outside the ring, you lose. That's all.

03:42

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Hiyori started sumo when she was only six.

04:03

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER:  I started sumo when I was small and at that time I really, really didn't like sumo training but continued to do sumo because I made friends with many people through sumo and I liked the feeling of accomplishment that comes from working hard

04:07

Hiyori wrestles with kids

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: After winning the junior world sumo championships twice, Hiyori Kon won silver as an adult in 2018 and '19 before the pandemic put a hold to her success. Studying Hiyori's moves is 10-year-old Kanano Suzuki.

04:31

Kanano interview

KANANO SUZUKI, ASPIRING SUMO:  I feel happy when I win against a boy. My dream is to compete and to win the world competition.

04:51

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Her family is behind her all the way.

MITSUAKI SUZUKI, GRANDFATHER:  There was no culture of women doing sumo in Japan.

05:02

Mitsuaki interview

Now with the introduction of gender equality, women also started to do sumo confidently.  They also practice together with men. It's such a wonderful thing.

05:10

James to camera

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: There's a lot of enthusiasm in this ring and you can see the kids are really giving it their all, but the reality is, clubs like this one are really few and far between. Girls aren't always welcome.

05:30

Hiyori interview

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER:  I've heard some local clubs refused to accept female wresters because they had never taught girls before.

05:46

Hiyori's home town

Music

06:08

Super: KARIYA, AICHI PREFECTURE

06:12

Hiyori at home looking out window

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: After a busy weekend, Hiyori is back home.

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER:  Kariya is a place where there are many companies in the automobile industry, but there are also rice paddies and greenery.

06:15

Hiyori in sumo ring

I'm living here in the company's dormitory for single people. I am obsessed with Sumo.

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Sumo may be her passion, but it doesn't earn an income.

06:34

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER:  Every morning, I wake up, take a little walk around here, eat breakfast, get ready for work, put on make-up, do my hair. Then take a bento to work.

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Her only time to train is before sunrise.

06:50

Hiyori training

She then goes to her office job… It sounds exhausting.

07:15

Hiyori interview

Having a career and having to train and compete at sumo? 

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER:   It's exhausting.

07:21

Hiyori leaving apartment for work

I often wish that sumo, as a modern sport for women and men alike, could become a profession or reach a level where people could earn a living.

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Hiyori's work has a corporate sumo club. But it was for men only. Hiyori convinced them to change that, and became the first woman to join their ranks.

07:33

Hiyori walking to work

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER:  I searched for an opportunity by myself, negotiated and got my position. In terms of sumo men have choices in universities. Men have a wide range of choices. Women really have to  go out and look for it opportunities on their own.

08:00

Hiyori training

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Despite her success, Hiyori's feeling pressured to give it all up, find a husband and have a family.

08:30

Young women at temple

It's an experience many women here face. Japan regularly performs poorly on issues of gender equality.

08:40

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER: People would say, "Do you think about getting married or having a baby?" Sometimes, I feel like I'm being defeated by these voices.

08:50

Aomori GVs. Super:
HIROSAKI, AOMORI PREFECTURE

Music

09:02

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: On the northern tip of Japan's main island, Honshu, is Aomori prefecture. It's renowned for its natural beauty.

09:12

Rio on train, walking to Hirosaki castle

RIO HASEGAWA: It has the sea, mountains, and a lot of delicious food. It's like a true Japanese countryside.

09:24

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: It's also famous for producing more sumo champions than any other prefecture.

RIO HASEGAWA: Sumo is a part of Aomori's identity.

09:34

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Rio Hasegawa is a rising star of the sport.

09:45

RIO HASEGAWA:  When I was a child, I felt the older generation cheered more for me than children who played other sports.  Since I was young, I knew that there was no professional career path for women in sumo. 

10:00

Rio interview

I saw Hiyori and others competing in world tournaments, and I thought that I want to go to the world stage too.

10:13

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Rio was born into a sumo loving family. She followed her brothers to train at the local club.

10:23

Rio's Mum

MUM:  She's a girl, but she wasn't afraid of the boys at all. She was determined to win, even when she wrestled against a boy… I don't think you ever lost a sumo match against a boy?

10:34

Rio training

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: But her dad was the biggest driving force.

MUM: He had very high expectations that Rio would become active on the world stage.

10:51

Rio at altar

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: He died when Rio was just 15.

11:08

RIO HASEGAWA: I didn't grow up with much praise. But my father was the type of person who would tell me to do your best and not be satisfied at where you are, rather than tell me that I had done a great job.

11:13

Tokyo GVs

Music

11:30

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Rio moved to Tokyo, some 600 kilometres away, for university.

11:37

Rio walking, Tokyo

RIO HASEGAWA: Tokyo is where different people and cultures gather in one place, and in that sense, I think it's very interesting.  Here people appreciate different values and different ways of thinking.

11:43

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Her style is a break from the traditional sumo look of black hair, and it gets a lot of attention.

RIO HASEGAWA: So I thought, I don't want to give up on my hobbies or fashion, and I want to enjoy taking care of my appearance.

12:02

Keio University sumo club

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Keio University is one of the most prestigious in japan. It's never had a woman at its sumo club in its 100 year history, until Rio pushed the door open.

12:27

Rio interview, Rio training

RIO HASEGAWA:  There are not many universities that have women's sumo clubs compared to men. In the past, some people looked down on me for being a girl, but here I don't get that kind of thing at all. They accept me, they accept me as a member of the team, and I feel that I'm included.

12:39

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Do you see yourself as a pioneer for women's sumo?

RIO HASEGAWA: I don't think it's that big of a deal.

13:09

Kentaro interview

KENTARO MIZUNO, SUMO STUDENT: She's a real world-class athlete. She trains more than others and she's really passionate about sumo. I respect and learn from her in many aspects.

13:15

Rio training with men

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: With no professional competition for women, Rio knows she'll probably have to give it all up after university.

RIO HASEGAWA:  I can't imagine myself continuing to wrestle while working, so I will have to quit wrestling after I graduate.

13:35

Rio interview

I will quit, because I have no choice but to quit. It would be a dream come true if I could make a living as a sumo athlete.

13:53

Oita Mountains, wind turbines. Super:
OITA CITY, OITA PREFECTURE

Music

14:12

City stadium

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: On the southern island of Kyushu lies the regional city of Oita. Today, it's hosting the jungyo – a professional sumo promotional tour. The only women here are spectators.

14:19

Woman at promotional tour with daughter

YOUNG MOTHER:  Do you like sumo wrestlers? We both like it. I always liked it. I liked it since I was pregnant with her.

14:35

Elderly woman at tour

ELDERLY WOMAN:  I love sumo.  

14:46

James to camera

JAMES OATEN, Reporter:  So, got my press pass, my shoes are off, let's go watch some sumo.

14:48

Sumo match

Music

14:55

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: While amateur sumo involves men and women, professional sumo – known as ozumo - is for men only.

15:09

James to camera, takes selfie with sumo wrestler

So this is actually my first time seeing professional sumo, and I must say it's quite exciting… Sumimasen. Selfie onegaishimasu?

15:21

Wrestler holds baby

FEMALE SUMO FAN WITH BABY:  In Japan, they say that if a sumo wrestler holds a baby, the baby will grow up healthy, so I asked him to carry the baby.

15:7

Wrestler

SUMO WRESTLER: I think the purpose of the regional tour is to interact with the audience.

15:49

Sumo demonstrations

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Sumo has deep roots in Japanese culture, said to date some 1500 years.

15:54

Prof. Suzuki interview

PROF MASATAKA SUZUKI, KEIO UNIVERSITY: In the era of the samurai, sumo was passed down from generation to generation among the samurai families who practiced sumo as a form of physical training for war.

16:07

Wrestlers into ring

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: It outlasted the samurai. But the sport we know today emerged after the defeat of imperial Japan in the Second World War.

16:20

PROF MASATAKA SUZUKI, KEIO UNIVERSITY:  When the US occupies Japan, many people probably thought that sumo was associated with militarism.  So, the head referee took the initiative saying that sumo was a sport. This was a major turning point.

16:29

Demonstration match

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: These events, even if just a bit of fun, are designed to attract new audiences. But such a highly traditional sport is struggling to get young people to sign up.

16:48

PROF MASATAKA SUZUKI, KEIO UNIVERSITY: Not many young people want to become sumo wrestlers. They must train under an apprentice system for a long period of time to rise to the top. There are limited stables in a very feudalistic organisation. I think that over time we will see a gradual decline.

17:00

James visits sumo stable

Music

17:22

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: The world of sumo is famously secretive, much of it off limits to outsiders or the media. But I've been granted a rare opportunity to see what happens behind the scenes.

17:29

Interior. Sumo stable, wrestlers training

Ikazuchi stable is run by husband and wife combo --stable master, Toru Kakizoe and the manager, Emi Kakizoe.

17:43

EMI KAKIZOE, MANAGER: It's like the stablemaster is the father and the manager is the mother. As we keep them in our care,

17:58

Emi interview

I think of them as our children, and I tell them we're a family, and we live together as a family.

18:04

Emi and Toru watch training session

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: The pair met 24 years ago when Emi was competing in high school sumo competitions.

18:12

EMI KAKIZOE, MANAGER: I was told "It's great, you're a pioneer", but they would say it sarcastically because "you're fat" or "fatty".  I was called things that weren't funny or nice.  When I participated in games, my teacher said I was immodest and "why would a girl do such a thing?"

18:19

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Emi are her husband are determined to make it a more friendly place. After training, it's time eat.

18:45

Stable members cooking, Toru interview 

TORU KAKIZOE, STABLEMASTER: Basically, a wrestler has to move up in the ranks. In the training place, they're all rivals with a strong desire to move up the ranks. However, in everyday life, they have to work together as mates to clean the house, do the laundry, and cook.

18:5

James to camera in kitchen

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: There's a lot going on in this kitchen. We've got eggs that have just been cooked. These guys are washing the dishes . Beef simmering away. Plenty of leafy greens. Cabbage. Spring onion. It's all hands on deck.

19:15

Shi-shi shares meal with Emi and Toru

To protect sumo's distinct Japanese culture, the governing sumo association introduced a rule. Each stable is strictly allowed no more than one foreign wrestler. They've adopted 27-year-old Ukrainian Shi-shi…

19:30

So they're your family?

SHI-SHI: My Japanese family.

EMI KAKIZOE, MANAGER: Shi-Shi calls me mummy, mummy.

16:46

James shares meal with family

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: So this is chanko nabe? The famous sumo meal. One ancient rule is non-negotiable -- while foreign men are welcome in the ring, Japanese women are not.

19:55

Emi interview

EMI KAKIZOE, MANAGER: The rule is women are not allowed in the Grand Sumo ring. It was considered that women were impure and Japanese people accept this as a matter of course. From a foreigner's point of view, it's probably unacceptable. I think they would say, "Why is that?" It's a very difficult matter. It's been carried out as a tradition for a long time.

20:14

Archival. Man collapses at sumo match

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: In one infamous case, the rule was enforced even when it was a matter of life and death. In 2018, there was major controversy. A local mayor collapsed inside the sumo ring and women rushed to his aid.

REFEREE:  "Women, please step down from the ring!"

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: But the referee ordered them to leave.

REFEREE:  "Women, please step down from the ring. Men please step into the ring."

20:43

James walks with Murray Johnson

MURRAY JOHNSON: It is a centuries old sport with an appearance that's based on some centuries old thinking.

21:09

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Australian Murray Johnson is the international voice of sumo.

21:18

MURRAY JOHNSON: This is the home of sumo, where we've seen some dynamic sumo matches over the year.

21:23

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: He's been commentating the sport for 30 years. During that time, he's seen the governing sumo association refuse to reform…

21:28

Murray Johnson interview

Is there a reluctance in Sumo to evolve? Is it too focused on the past, too focused on Japan, too focused on men?

MURRAY JOHNSON: Yes.

21:39

Unfortunately, yes. It's basically they don't want to lose their identity, because it is a Japanese sport, once called the national sport. But I think it will eventually change, but I don't think I'll be alive.

21:48

Music

22:02

Rio and club members in training

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Fumihiko Nara is the coach at Rio Hasegawa's university sumo club. He says evolution is needed.

FUMIHIKO NARA, KEIO UNIVERSITY SUMO CLUB COACH: I think many reforms are needed.

22:07

Fumihiko interview/ Rio training with male wrestler

I would like to see it being more open and allow people from various countries to join.  The key is to increase the number of female participants and the number of female athletes worldwide.

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: And Rio Hasegawa can be a catalyst for change.

22:20

Fumihiko interview/ Rio training

FUMIHIKO NARA, KEIO UNIVERSITY SUMO CLUB COACH: I think it's very significant that Rio has opened the door for the next generation.  She is a capable person.  I believe she could introduce women's sumo and amateur sumo to the world.

22:44

Tokyo GVs

Music

23:09

Sumo tournament, Hiyori prepares for match

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: For now,  this is the biggest tournament for women's sumo --the amateur world championships. Hiyori Kon is preparing for her heavyweight bout.

23:20

Hiyori interview

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER: There are times when I'm afraid of my opponents' power, or when I want to give up the fight and run away. But if I'm determined and put my hands on the ground, I have a chance to win.

23:40

Hiyori dons belt for match

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Hiyori's made a momentous decision. She's decided she won't continue to juggle sumo and work. This could be her last world tournament…

23:54

Hiyori interview

How are you feeling?

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER: Good, exciting …excited.

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Nervous?

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER: No, not at all. Never.

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Never nervous?

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER: Never nervous.

24:05

Hiyori's match

Music

24:16

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Hiyori makes light work of her first opponent. Her second bout barely lasts any longer.

24:24

Kanano in audience

KANANO SUZUKI, ASPIRING SUMO: She's powerful, cute and kind.

24:40

Berezovska's match

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Ukrainian Ivanna Berezovska also outmuscles her opponent.

24:45

James to camera in darkened stadium

So they've just switched off the lights, meaning we're into the finals now. And after a long day, I've got to say, the atmosphere has really gone up a notch.

25:02

Hiyori vs Berezovska match

ANNOUNCER:  On the East side for Japan, Kon Hiyori. On the West for Ukraine, Berezovska Ivanna.

25:13

JAMES OATEN, Reporter:  Victory will be determined in seconds. Hiyori's dreams are dashed.

ANNOUNCER: Berezovska Ivanna taking the gold medal. Silver medal to Kon Hiyori of Japan.

25:25

Hiyori post-match interview

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER: I couldn't quite make it. But I think I've left something for the next generation. I will leave the rest to the young people of Japan.

25:48

Hiyori leaves stadium

Music

26:04

Tokyo nightlife GVs

Music

26:12

Hiyori and friends in restaurant

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: For now, Hiyori is leaving competition life behind.

WAITRESS: Welcome.

26:24

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER:  I'm seriously sore from muscle pain today. My shoulder!

26:33

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: But she's not abandoning sumo. This year, she's moving to Argentina to teach sumo, as part of a Japanese government program. It was advertised as a male only position, until Hiyori successfully challenged it.

26:39

MALE COLLEAGUE: I am sad that you're leaving. You're a good member of our team, Hiyori.  I'm starting to feel sad.

26:54

Hiyori interview

HIYORI KON, SUMO WRESTLER: I've made up my mind that I want to spend the next two years growing as a person. So I've decided to teach sumo.

27:06

Kids at sumo club

I hope that through sumo, I can help children all over the world to enjoy sport, overcome hardships, and to grow as people.

27:26

Hiyori and friends in restaurant

Music

27:43

Rio walking to Hirosaki castle

JAMES OATEN, Reporter: Rio's determined to keep fighting at home.

27:50

RIO HASEGAWA: I watched the people above me. I grew up watching them make their way forward and pave the way for others. I hope I can be like them.  I'd be happy if my father felt proud of his daughter since he's no longer with us. That's my wish.

28:24

Kakizoe stable wrestlers training

EMI KAKIZOE, STABLE MANAGER: It's interesting to think that my daughter might be standing in the ring in the future. I really want to support them.

28:28

Hiyori interview

HIYORI KON: All sport needs support. Without it the number of athletes won't grow. If the number of athletes doesn't increase it's difficult to get support.  I think the sumo world is in this spiral right now and I hope it can get out of that.

28:39

Credits [see below]

29:05

Outpoint

29:38