Wind-Stopping Dedication Sumo Tournament July 28, 2026

There is a sumo ring on the grounds of Watatsumi Shrine in Mitoma, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, and the "Wind-Stopping Dedication Sumo Tournament" is held there every year on July 28. This year's dedication sumo tournament was also held amidst intense heat. About 30 little wrestlers wearing mawashi climbed into the ring full of energy. In addition, a ring-entering ceremony by baby wrestlers was performed, and the venue was enveloped in enthusiastic cheers and a warm atmosphere.
Because Mitoma is close to the sea, there are many days with strong winds, and it is said that this Shinto ritual began about 250 years ago to try to suppress damage to crops as much as possible. Furthermore, there is a legend that Empress Jingu, who is also considered the origin of the place name, calmed the rough seas when she crossed to Korea, and this may have some connection to this event.
In the past, every village had a sumo ring, and sumo was popular as a local event. There was a time when young people were absorbed in testing their strength, but as times changed, sports preferences also shifted, and sumo as a local event gradually disappeared. Even in such circumstances, the Mitoma Wind-Stopping Dedication Sumo Tournament has been carefully protected by the local people and continues to be passed down unchanged today.

A little while after the sumo began, everyone's smartphone earthquake alarms went off at once. Fukuoka is fine, but it seems there is considerable damage in Kumamoto.