An annual sumo tournament on a ring made of snow has been held in a town in Hokkaido. It took place in front of a railway station building that is no longer used because the rail line has been discontinued.
Fourteen amateur wrestlers took part on Sunday in the event in Mashike Town aimed at revitalizing area communities.
Spectators cheered the wrestlers as they demonstrated powerful throws and shoving on the slippery ring.
The champion of the tournament said he is surprised that he won. He said his strict training paid off and that he will continue to practice hard for the next year’s competition.
The town’s business owners’ association organized the event. The association’s head, Tanahashi Hidehiko, has expressed his resolve to organize an even better sumo tournament next year after having held a successful one this year.
AloJapan.com