@Visit Japan: Sumo was originally performed at shrines as a religious ritual to honour divine …

Sumo was originally performed at shrines as a religious ritual to honour divine spirits. There are still sumo rings on the grounds of many shrines in Japan and shinto ritual still guides every aspect of sumo. Shinto referees (gyoji) act as priests in the ring and the wrestlers themselves throw salt into the ring before each match to purify it. #VisitJapanAU #JapanRevealed 📷: @tamwise