When people think of Japan, sumo often comes to mind first.
But here’s a question many visitors ask:
“Do Japanese people still watch sumo these days?”
The honest answer is…
Not as much as you might think.
■ Younger Generations Rarely Watch It
Among people in their 40s and 50s and younger, it’s quite rare to meet someone who watches sumo regularly.
Most Japanese people today wouldn’t say their hobby is “watching sumo,” and you almost never hear conversations like:
“Did you catch yesterday’s match?”
Yes, sumo is still broadcast on TV,
but younger people simply don’t tune in.
■ Sumo’s Main Audience: Older Adults
Sumo definitely remains popular among older generations.
Why?
- They grew up watching it
- Matches are short and easy to follow
- They enjoy the stories of the wrestlers and stables
- It’s part of their long-time daily routine
TV ratings data in Japan also show that viewers of sumo broadcasts tend to be mostly in their 60s and above.
■ In Today’s Japan, Sumo Is Not a “Mainstream” Sport
Sumo is a cherished tradition, but it’s no longer one of the most popular sports in modern Japan.
These days, sports like:
- Soccer
- Baseball
- Boxing
- Mixed Martial Arts (like RIZIN)
are far more popular and have much larger markets.
■ Why Has Sumo Lost Popularity?
There are a couple of major reasons:
① So Many Other Attractive Sports
In the past, people mostly watched whatever was available on TV—sumo and baseball.
But today, Japan has unlimited access to global sports via streaming and YouTube.
Naturally, many people gravitate toward faster, flashier, or more dynamic sports.
② Sumo Feels Less “Close” to Younger People
For many younger Japanese, sumo is seen more as:
“Traditional culture we learned in school”
rather than something they regularly follow or talk about.
It’s culturally significant, but not part of everyday life.
■ Summary: Sumo = Important Tradition, But Not a Common Hobby
Here’s the real picture in today’s Japan:
- Popular among older adults
- Not commonly watched by people under 50
- Still on TV, but not a major draw
- Overshadowed by sports like boxing and MMA
- Lost attention as newer, more exciting sports emerged
Sumo is undeniably part of Japan’s identity,
but it’s no longer a sport that the majority of Japanese people watch regularly.