Japanese sumo wrestling is a traditional sport that dates back centuries. It involves two wrestlers, known as rikishi, who compete in a circular ring called a dohyo. The objective is to force the opponent out of the ring or to make any part of their body, other than the soles of their feet, touch the ground. Sumo matches are steeped in ritual and tradition, including the use of salt for purification and the wearing of distinctive mawashi (belts). Wrestlers are classified into ranks, with the highest being yokozuna. Sumo is not just a sport; it is also a cultural symbol of Japan.