Japan's First Female Prime Minister Confronts Historical Ban on Women in Sumo Ring

Nov 22, 2025 05:29 pm CST

Japan's first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces a cultural dilemma over whether to challenge the centuries-old tradition prohibiting women from entering the sacred sumo ring. While her conservative values suggest she will respect this practice, her historic position has reignited debate about gender restrictions in Japan's religious and traditional spaces that many consider increasingly out of touch with modern society.