
Its popularity may be dwindling in today’s world of ultra-rich football and baseball teams and their players, but there’s something wonderfully dignified, almost majestic, about sumo. And as one photograph shared last weekend by the Japan Sumo Association shows, there is perhaps even more magic to be seen if only we could all just slow down and open our eyes a little more often.
The photo, which shows 27-year-old Kisenosato Yutaka throwing a handful of salt onto the ring before a bout – a tradition harkening back hundreds of years and intended both to “purify” the ring as well as provide additional grip underfoot – catches the many grains of pure-white salt as they hurtle through the air, forming almost perfectly straight lines as if radiating from the wrestler himself.
Many netizens were impressed with the photo, remarking on how lucky the photographer was to capture the moment. We on the other hand like to think that this young wrestler here has picked up some of those Dragon Ball-esque powers that Japan’s high school girls were showing off last year, and is able to produce shockwaves from the palm of his hand. We have a feeling that would come in extremely handy during his future matches.
Source: Japan Sumo Association via Jin115


Photo of exciting end of sumo match looks like…a VERY different kind of excitement
Sumo salt shaker steals the show in new range of Japanese wrestler goods
Tokyo’s upcoming sumo dinner show matches powerful wrestlers with bilingual entertainment
Japan Sumo Association bans girls from prohibiting in practice event as controversy continues
Pokémon and Japan Sumo Association announce partnership
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Suspected yakuza member arrested for having frequent flyer mile account
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
You’ll never win cash or prizes or cash at this Tokyo pachinko parlor, and that’s why it’s so cool
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
McDonald’s Japan’s new Chiikawa Happy Meal figures are here![Photos]
Mister Donut’s beyond super soft and chewy beyond mochi mochi donuts have returned
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
Secrets of the sumo ring: Behind-the-scenes rituals that support the wrestlers…literally【Video】
Sumo wrestler vs. 16-month-old toddler: The cutest match you’ll ever see【Video】
Special photo booths let you pose with sumo wrestlers without having to strap on a loincloth
Robot sumo wrestlers fire laser blasts in crazy, free-to-play horse racing browser game
Sanrio’s best-loved butthole defies physics in adorable sumo collaboration[Photos]
Bull Sumo in the Oki Islands 【You, Me, And A Tanuki】
Death Spray from Japan causes buzz online for powerful ability to cut ties with bad energy