Who says sumo wrestlers can’t be sexy?
Unlike the athletes who participate in most other sports around the world, sumo wrestlers are not typically thought of as conventionally attractive (although some of them have been dubbed “cute”). With their extremely large bodies, diaper-like outfits, and hair all done up in a bun, you wouldn’t expect them to pose almost naked for the entire world to see.
And yet here we are. Sumo wrestler Takateru Irodori tweeted this photo of himself and two fellow sumo wrestlers enjoying a good, naked time together at the hot spring:
▼ “Hot springs are the best.”
https://twitter.com/y2t1k1310/status/673127754393501696We have to say that this photo raises a whole lot of questions. Who took the picture? How did they get everyone’s heads positioned so well? Did it go something like: “Ah, nope, I can still see it. Move your head a bit more to the side.” And lastly, is there any way we can donate some selfie sticks to these sumo wrestlers who are in such obvious need?
Japanese netizens were shocked to see the sumo wrestlers in such a ridiculous photo, especially when they’re usually expected to act extremely reserved at all times:
“Yeah, I could’ve lived my life without seeing that.”
“Is it okay for them to post pictures like this?”
“Pretty sure it’s not, but who cares? It’s hilarious.”
“Those guys should put out a gravure photo album. I’d buy it.”
“I took that picture! I was shaking so bad, but I’m glad it came out good.”
Well that answers some of our questions. The photographer was fellow sumo wrestler/Twitter user @teraoumi. Although, we should’ve known only another sumo wrestler would be capable of taking such an incredible photo. Mere mortals such as ourselves would of course be blinded by glorious light after gazing upon such beauty in the flesh.
Source: Twitter/@y2t1k1310 via Kinisoku

Japanese sumo wrestler proves why he’s the sport’s cutest star with another sleeping appearance
“Kawaigari”: Learn this depressing sumo jargon while enjoying photos of wrestlers with cats!
Ultimate lazy chanko – Can you make Japan’s sumo wrestler hot pot stew in a rice cooker?
Big dudes CAN jump: Frolicking sumo means it’s officially springtime again in Japan!
Sumo wrestler vs. 16-month-old toddler: The cutest match you’ll ever see【Video】
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Pizza Hut Japan’s new ie-kei ramen pizza is here and weird, but is it tasty too? [Taste test]
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Are Japanese convenience store sandwiches scamming us with their fillings?
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Japanese man drives truck that’s on fire directly to fire station, drops flaming potatoes[Videos]
Eastern Japan high school graduating class’s wallets robbed during ceremony
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Now is the time to visit one of Tokyo’s best off-the-beaten-path plum blossom gardens
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Twitpics show sumo wrestlers getting health checks… in spaaaaaaace!
Meet Chiyomaru: the cutest gosh-darn sumo wrestler you’ll ever see
Japanese lawyer comments on legality of tattoo ban at hot springs, netizens share thoughts too
Creating an open-air hot spring bath (without a hot spring) at our cheap Japanese country house【Vids】
You can make your own hot spring bath at this river in central Japan【Japan travel】
Snow falling at Ginzan Hot Spring has Twitter in awe with its otherworldly beauty 【Photos】
English hot spring manners poster is so thorough, even Japanese people are learning from it
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
13 Japanese teen boys caught peeping into girls’ hot spring bath during class trip
Soak in a secret Japanese onsen hot spring…in a dilapidated old building
Breathtaking photos of one of Japan’s most beautiful hot springs have us ready to brave the snow
Tochigi hot spring pyramid first in the world to let you bathe in cosmic energy as well as water
America has hot springs too! Our Japanese reporter puts one to the test
Gravure model NFT series wants to attract online investors, real-world visitors for hot springs
Free literal forest bathing in Hokkaido is a hot spring experience you’ll never forget【Photos】
Japanese hotel has rooftop hot spring bath, unlimited sushi and alcohol, costs less than 80 bucks