This is what it takes to be a sumo wrestler
Could you eat 10,000 calories a day?
Sumo is Japan鈥檚 national sport. Its origins go back more than 1,500 years, and it rarely leaves Japan. But some competitions are starting to tour - including The Grand Sumo Tournament, which recently happened in London. Wrestlers often start training from a very young age, and training is intense. It involves building strength and fitness - and eating. A lot. They consume around 10,000 calories a day.
The 麻豆社鈥檚 Mariko Oi is from Japan. She talks us through all we need to know about the sport. We also hear from 21-year-old Aonishiki Arata. He鈥檚 one of Ukraine鈥檚 top wrestlers and now lives and trains in Japan. And two fans share why they love the sport.
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Mora Morrison and Natalia Makohon
Editor: Verity Wilde
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- Thu 30 Oct 2025 18:50GMT麻豆社 World Service News Internet
- Fri 31 Oct 2025 03:50GMT麻豆社 World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only
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What in the World
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