170202-0037 - Sumo Wrestlers

Japanese sumo wrestlers and a referee in a studio setting. In reality, the umpire would be wearing an eboshi (traditional black hat).

Sumo originated from a ritual performed to pray for a good harvest. It was first mentioned in a manuscript dating back to 712.

An official sumo organization was developed during the Edo period (1603–1867) and originated many of the elements that now define the sport.