Japan’s First Female PM Challenges Male-Only Sumo Ring Tradition

Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is facing a dilemma over a longstanding sumo tradition that bars women from entering the ring, known as the dohyo. Takaichi, who made history by becoming Japan’s first female prime minister in October 2025, may have to decide whether to break this centuries-old taboo when presenting the Prime Minister’s Cup at sumo tournaments.

The Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, which ends this Sunday, will see its winner awarded the Prime Minister’s Cup. In the past, male leaders, including former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, entered the ring to hand over the trophy. However, Takaichi is not expected to enter the dohyo this time, as she will return a day later from the Group of 20 (G20) summit in South Africa. Her next opportunity will be at the New Year’s tournament in Tokyo.

The ban on women entering sumo rings is rooted in tradition, though the Japan Sumo Association denies it is linked to the Shinto belief of female “impurity.” The dohyo is considered a sacred space, and historically, only men were allowed to participate in matches and rituals performed there. Some experts argue that this practice stems from ancient Shinto customs, while others say it is simply a long-standing male-centered tradition.

The issue has drawn attention because it highlights broader gender-related taboos in Japan. Women have historically been banned from certain temples, shrines, holy mountains, and festivals, often due to beliefs associated with menstruation, childbirth, and traditional gender roles. While many of these bans have been lifted over time, some persist, including in professional sumo.

Sanae Takaichi is known for her conservative stance and support of traditional gender roles in Japan. She has opposed changes to laws that would allow married couples to keep separate surnames and has supported male-only succession for Japan’s imperial family. Entering the sumo ring could be seen as defying tradition and might affect her support among right-wing voters who value Japan’s customs.

The debate over women in sumo has a long history. In 1978, a female bureaucrat was barred from competing in a children’s sumo match. In 1990, a government spokesperson was denied entry to present the Prime Minister’s Cup. In 2018, female medical personnel were forced to leave a sumo ring while providing life-saving care to a collapsed mayor, sparking public outrage and criticism of the association. Despite the incident, the Japan Sumo Association has yet to revise the rule.

Experts and activists argue that excluding women from sumo rings is outdated and does not align with modern values. Naoko Kobayashi, a professor of religion and gender, said, “Excluding women under the premise of male-centered traditions and customs can no longer be justified under the values of the times.”

As Japan’s first female prime minister, Takaichi’s choice on whether to enter the sumo ring will draw national and international attention, highlighting the ongoing tension between tradition and gender equality in Japan.