Why Japan’s Leader Won’t Enter the Male-Dominated Sumo Ring

Sanae Takaichi, the first woman to lead Japan as prime minister, skipped a sumo awards ceremony, reflecting her cautious ...
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Japan’s sacred sumo ring is off-limits to women, even its new prime minister

Japan elected its first female prime minister last month. But, despite becoming the country’s most powerful person, there is one place Sanae Takaichi is not expected to tread — inside a sumo ring.
Yahoo

Japan's first female leader faces a taboo over entering the male-only sumo ring

TOKYO (AP) — Sanae Takaichi made history by becoming Japan's first female prime minister in October. She must now decide whether she'll break another barrier: the taboo barring women from the sumo ...
THE WEEK

Will Japan’s first female prime minister defy sumo’s ban on women?

The sumo ring has always been a “sacred” arena where “only men may tread, bound by centuries of ritual and pride”, said The Japan Times. But now that Japan has elected its first female prime minister, ...

Sumo club owner urges women to take up the sport

Richard Riggs, from Barnsley Sumo Club, says he believes the sport is for everyone.
The Telegraph

Japan’s first female leader faces a taboo over entering the male-only sumo ring

FILE - Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during a press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, on Oct. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool) TOKYO (AP) — Sanae Takaichi ...
Hartford Courant

Japan’s first female leader faces a taboo over entering the male-only sumo ring

TOKYO (AP) — Sanae Takaichi made history by becoming Japan’s first female prime minister in October. She must now decide whether she’ll break another barrier: the taboo barring women from the sumo ...