Sumo, a traditional wrestling sport, embodies the national spirit of Japan. It combines raw strength, precise technique, and ancient Shinto religious rituals. In a match, two wrestlers aim to push their opponent out of a circular ring or force them to touch the ground with any body part other than their feet to secure victory. These short, dramatic contests are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and history, tracing their origins to ancient rituals performed to pray for bountiful harvests.

Japan's economic boom in the 1970s and 1980s led to a significant shift. As the nation prospered, careers in office administration, finance, or technology offered far more stable incomes compared to the demanding life of a sumo wrestler. This prosperity directly contributed to a sharp decline in recruitment for sumo stables.

Amidst this decline in Japan, scouts from the Japan Sumo Association turned their attention to Mongolia. At the time, Mongolia was grappling with a severe economic recession following the collapse of the Soviet Union. For many young boys from the vast steppes, for whom wrestling was deeply ingrained, the prospect of moving to Japan and building a career in sumo offered an unparalleled opportunity.

Vy Anh