Sumo wrestling is one of the oldest continuously practiced sports in the world and is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and religion. Make sure to start 1xbet.com/en betting now on various sports from Japan and elsewhere too.
Its origins date back more than 1,500 years, with early forms emerging during the Yayoi period (around 300 BCE-300 CE). Initially, sumo was not just a sport but a sacred ritual connected to Shinto beliefs, where matches were performed to entertain the gods and ensure good harvests. These kinds of matches are also available to start betting now at the 1xBet platform.
A sport with an extremely long history
The earliest written records of sumo appear in ancient Japanese texts such as the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. One famous legend tells of Nomi no Sukune, who defeated his opponent in a brutal contest, symbolizing the origins of sumo as both combat and ceremony. If you enjoy this sport, you can win any live sport bet made on it at 1xBet too.
During the Nara and Heian periods (710-1185), sumo became part of the imperial court. Wrestlers performed in front of the emperor in organized events known as sumai-no-sechie. At this stage, the sport began evolving from a violent contest into a more structured and ritualized form. Modern tournaments of this discipline are also featured at 1xBet, where you can win with any live sport bet made here.
In the medieval period, especially under the rule of samurai, sumo shifted toward military training and discipline. However, public matches were sometimes banned due to disorderly behavior. It was not until the Edo period (1603-1867) that sumo re-emerged as a popular spectator sport. During this time, many of the rules, techniques, and ceremonial elements seen today were established.
When its modern structure began to emerge
Professional sumo began to take shape in the 17th century, with organized tournaments held at temples and shrines. These events raised funds for religious institutions while also entertaining large crowds. The ranking system was formalized, and the highest title, Yokozuna, became the symbol of excellence in the sport. The betting apps from 1xbet.com/en/mobile also allow you to bet on who will be the next Yokozuna too.
In modern times, sumo is considered Japan’s national sport. It features 6 major tournaments each year that take place in 4 cities:
- Tokyo;
- Nagoya;
- Osaka;
- and Fukuoka.
They attract both domestic and international athletes. Despite its evolution into a professional sport, sumo retains its ancient rituals, such as salt purification and ceremonial stomping, reflecting its spiritual origins. These tournaments are featured at the betting apps from the 1xBet site too.
