Why do sumo wrestlers wear thongs

Overview

The mawashi is the fundamental garment of sumo wrestling, a traditional Japanese sport dating back over 1,500 years. Historical records indicate sumo's origins in Shinto rituals during the Nara period (710-794 CE), where it was performed to entertain deities and ensure good harvests. The modern mawashi evolved from simpler loincloths worn by early sumo practitioners, with its current form becoming standardized during the Edo period when professional sumo tournaments began in 1684. Unlike Western wrestling attire, the mawashi serves multiple purposes beyond mere clothing: it functions as both uniform and equipment, with its tight wrapping providing crucial abdominal support during the intense physical contact that characterizes sumo matches. The Japan Sumo Association strictly regulates mawashi specifications, requiring them to be made of silk for top-division wrestlers and cotton for lower divisions, with exact dimensions and wrapping methods prescribed in official sumo rules.

How It Works

The mawashi application process is a precise ritual requiring assistance from a trained attendant. Wrestlers begin by folding the long cloth lengthwise, then wrapping it tightly around the waist multiple times before passing it between the legs and securing it at the back with a knot called the "magemawa." This creates a sturdy belt-like structure that supports the wrestler's core muscles during matches where they may lift opponents weighing over 150 kilograms (330 pounds). The tight wrapping also prevents the garment from coming loose during the violent throws and pushes that characterize sumo bouts. During matches, wrestlers strategically grip each other's mawashi to gain leverage, making the garment an integral part of sumo techniques. The thickness and stiffness of the silk or cotton material provide crucial protection against friction burns and impact injuries, while the multiple layers absorb sweat and distribute pressure during grappling maneuvers.

Why It Matters

The mawashi holds profound cultural significance beyond its practical functions in sumo wrestling. It represents one of Japan's oldest continuous sporting traditions, with its design preserved for centuries as a symbol of cultural heritage. In contemporary sumo, the mawashi serves as a visible indicator of a wrestler's rank and status: lower-ranked wrestlers wear black cotton mawashi, while sekitori (top division) wrestlers wear colored silk versions, with the prestigious purple reserved for the highest ranks. The garment's preservation in modern sumo maintains a direct connection to the sport's religious origins and Shinto roots, where simplicity and tradition are valued over modernization. Internationally, the distinctive mawashi has become an iconic symbol of Japanese culture, recognized worldwide as representing sumo's unique blend of athleticism, ritual, and tradition that continues to attract millions of spectators annually.