Japan in January: Sumo, Stories, and a Prayer for Spring

Life in Japan – Issue 011

Thank you, as always, for reading Spiritual Japan Journal. Welcome to this week’s Life in Japan.

We are now past the middle of January. The cold has intensified, yet important events symbolizing this season are unfolding across the country.

This week brings together three scenes: the Grand Sumo Tournament that began last week; the announcement of literary awards unearthing new talent; and the university entrance exams, which mark a culmination of years of effort for many young people.

This week, we explore these three topics that shape the landscape of January in Japan.

---

The Salt and the Soil: Grand Sumo Tournament

With the New Year festivities behind us, turning on the TV in the evening this week fills the room with familiar sounds: the heavy impact of wrestlers colliding, the unique shouts of the 行司 (Gyoji - the referee), and the roar of the crowd.The January Tournament, or 一月場所 (Hatsu Basho)—the first official tournament of the year—is underway.

The venue is the 両国国技館 (Ryogoku Kokugikan) in Tokyo. This is more than just a massive stadium; it is a place deeply tied to the ritual origins of Sumo. Under this roof, wrestlers wearing the まげ (Topknot) keep ancient traditions alive today.

A Form of Prayer Continuing from the Age of Mythology

The origins of Sumo are ancient and are often traced back to the world of mythology. While prototypes appear in Japanese myths like the Kojiki, historically, it is considered to have roots in 節会相撲 (Sechie-zumo). Held in the imperial court, this was a 神事 (Shinto ritual) performed to divine the year’s harvest.

Every movement a wrestler makes in the ring holds meaning. Take 四股 (Shiko), where a leg is raised high and stamped down powerfully. This is not merely a warm-up exercise; it is a ritual act intended to purify the ground and awaken the earth’s vitality. Furthermore, scattering salt before a bout purifies the ring. Before they are athletes, these wrestlers fulfill a role in a ritual context.

The Frenzy of Edo, and into the Modern Era

It was in the Edo period (17th century) that Sumo, initially a ritual, established itself as the professional entertainment we see today. At the time, Sumo gained explosive popularity among commoners. Ukiyo-e artists vied to depict star wrestlers, and people eagerly bought prints of their heroes.

Please look at the following Ukiyo-e prints from the 19th century (late Edo period).

部屋図・土俵入・面触 (江戸両国回向院大相撲之図)/秀ノ山雷五郎横綱土俵入之図/真鶴・陣幕Source: National Diet Library Digital Collections

You can see that scenes in the dressing rooms and the ring-entering ceremonies are conducted in a manner almost identical to today. People hundreds of years ago were fascinated, just as we are, by the honed physiques and discipline of the wrestlers.

If you are planning a visit to Japan, consider incorporating a Sumo tournament into your itinerary. Words are hardly necessary. You will likely be overwhelmed by the intensity unfolding upon the clay ring.

Sumo is not mere entertainment. It carries layers of ritual meaning cultivated over centuries, and it is a 国技 (Kokugi - National Sport) that we wish to continue preserving.

---

The Power of Words: Akutagawa Prize and Naoki Prize

While the clash of bodies excites Japan, new stars have also been born in the world of words.

On January 14, the recipients of two of Japan’s best-known literary awards, the 芥川龍之介賞 (Akutagawa Prize) and the 直木三十五賞 (Naoki Prize), were announced. Established in 1935, these two awards have introduced new talent to the world for nearly 90 years. The Akutagawa Prize is awarded to works of pure literature by up-and-coming writers, while the Naoki Prize is presented to published books of entertainment literature.

Incidentally, the previous selection (July 2025) became a topic of discussion when both prizes resulted in “no recipient.” It was an unusual decision—the first time in 27 years, and only the sixth time in history. This time, however, the Akutagawa Prize was awarded to Makoto Toriyama for Toki no Ie (House of Time) and Ushio Hatakeyama for Sakebi (The Scream). The Naoki Prize went to Teru Shimazu for Cafe no Kaerimichi (On the Way Home from the Cafe).

While Haruki Murakami is one of the most internationally recognized Japanese authors, in recent years, diverse female authors and new talents—such as Asako Yuzuki, who garnered global attention with Butter—are increasingly reaching international readers. I hope that the works selected this time will also eventually be translated and reach your hands.

From left: Naoki Prize winner Teru Shimazu, and Akutagawa Prize winners Ushio Hatakeyama and Makoto Toriyama.

---

Two Days of Testing: The Common Test for University Admissions

And finally, this weekend marks a moment of palpable tension across Japan.

Today, January 17, the 大学入学共通テスト (The Common Test for University Admissions) has begun. This is a nationwide standardized test held over two days, widely used for university admissions in Japan.

Why is the exam held during this mid-winter period? It is because the new academic year in Japanese schools begins in April. To start their new lives in the spring, students must contend with harsh environmental factors such as the winter cold, flu outbreaks, and sometimes heavy snow.

I still vividly remember my own winter at 18. During the New Year, I went to a shrine and, with trembling hands, wrote a prayer for admission to my desired school on an 絵馬 (Ema - a votive tablet). On the day of the exam, I headed to the venue with a mixture of anxiety and hope, swaying on a train running through the snow. After fortunately receiving the news of my acceptance, I cannot forget the warmth of the spring light when I returned to the shrine for お礼参り (Orei-mairi - a visit of gratitude).

In Japan, the phrase for passing an exam is the beautiful “桜咲く (Sakura Saku - cherry blossoms bloom).” This supportive atmosphere extends even to local supermarkets, where product packaging shifts to special seasonal designs. A perfect example is the globally famous KitKat. In Japanese, the name sounds very similar to “きっと勝つ (Kitto Katsu - surely win),” transforming the familiar chocolate into a lucky charm. These seasonal packages often feature a space on the back for a handwritten message, allowing friends and family to pass on their encouragement to students.

KitKats sold during the entrance exam season.

I sincerely hope that spring will come, and that “cherry blossoms will bloom” for every student currently in the midst of this demanding preparation.

---

The heat of Sumo, the passion for literature, and the long efforts of students.

January in Japan might seem like a season that is simply quiet and cold. However, beneath the surface, it is filled with movements and preparations that quietly point toward spring.

Thank you for reading today. I wish you all a warm and peaceful weekend. See you next week.

—Written by Sumire

You may also enjoy these stories