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】
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Japan’s most popular curry rice restaurant chain, Coco Ichibanya, might be for sale
Family Mart releases Famima convenience store products nationwide, but which ones are worth buying?
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Finally! Japan’s big three convenience store chains announce rice ball price reductions
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Onsen Egg Bukkake Udon Ice Cream makes us rethink everything we thought we knew about sweets
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
Hikaru Utada sings new song in Shinkansen commercial for Japan’s Supreme Class cabins
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
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
Ridiculously powerful hot spring bath in Japan earns both our respect and our fear【Videos】