Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is navigating a complex situation as she seeks to fulfill a traditional duty by presenting the winner’s trophy at the upcoming Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka. The Japan Sumo Association (JSA) is currently considering whether to allow Takaichi to enter the sumo ring, known as the dohyo, to award the Prime Minister’s Cup, a practice that has been a routine event for her male predecessors.
The dilemma arises from a longstanding Shinto taboo that forbids women from stepping into the dohyo, which is seen as a sacred and purified arena reserved for men. The customs of sumo, including rituals for purification and ceremonial behaviors, align closely with Shinto beliefs of spiritual cleanliness. These traditions have historically excluded women from participating in professional sumo, even in ceremonial roles.
With Takaichi’s ascension to the highest political office in Japan, this cultural norm is facing greater scrutiny. Advocates for gender equality point out the contradictions inherent in a situation that bars the nation’s leader from performing a standard duty due to outdated customs. “It is a difficult situation because the sumo association should, on the face of it, permit the prime minister to award the Prime Minister’s Cup,” noted Megumi Komori, a campaigner with the International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism.
As Japan continues to modernize and push for gender equality, Takaichi’s situation exemplifies the tension between established traditions and progressive governance. Regardless of the outcome, this challenge highlights the ongoing conversations about women’s roles in Japanese society and the potential for change in centuries-old customs. It is a moment that could pave the way for future advancements in gender inclusion within one of the country’s most revered institutions.