A great article in the Japan Times from John Gunning, on the challenges for a young man to join the world of sumo. Sumo is a tough world, requiring absolute dedication from an early age. It’s a life of hard work, brutal training and physical pain.

John covers the challengers of foreigners joining the sport, and the problems of coming from a Japanese University (as Mitakeumi and Yoshikaze have) and being a success in sumo.

As always, excellent writing form Gunning – head to the Japan Times and enjoy.