Global Perspectives

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Mongolian-born Harumafuji Kohei (r) is one of the few sumo wrestlers in the history of the sport to attain the rank of yokozuna, or grand champion.

As interest among young people in Japan wanes, an influx of outsiders are excelling at the insular national sport.

Wrestling With Tradition: Mongolia, Japan and the Changing Face of Sumo

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Japan

Mongolia

The 21st century has presented the national sport of Japan with a crisis of faith, in large part due to the unexpected dominance of sumo wrestlers from Mongolia. While likely off the radar for most readers, recent developments in this esoteric sport offer lessons in global sport development and governance.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

Wrestling With Tradition: Mongolia, Japan and the Changing Face of Sumo

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