Sumo Quotations: Gemlike sayings left by yokozuna and great wrestlers. Passionate words etched into the dohyo
Sumo, which prides itself on a long history as Japan’s national sport.
Beyond the intense bouts fought in the ring, the words left behind by wrestlers are filled with deep appeal.
The resolve to compete, the dedication to training, and their philosophies of life—quotes from yokozuna and other renowned rikishi resonate even with those who aren’t sumo fans.
In this article, we introduce a collection of memorable sayings related to sumo.
From grand champions to uniquely charismatic wrestlers, please enjoy these carefully chosen words worth engraving in your heart.
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[Sumo Quotes] Gems left by Yokozuna and great rikishi. Passionate words etched in the ring (1–10)
Sweat you shed never liesNEW!Chiyonofuji Mitsugu
When does sweat run down our bodies? You might break out in a sweat due to changes in temperature or from fear, but if we’re talking about a sumo wrestler’s sweat, it’s surely the sweat shed during training.
Sumo is a world of competition—matches are often decided in an instant.
To rise to that decisive moment and demonstrate their true worth, wrestlers must train not only their bodies but also their minds to the utmost.
Chiyonofuji’s famous quote seems to say that tireless effort becomes one’s confidence and can, in turn, become the certainty of victory.
Practice with a view to three years ahead. Be patient, thinking about five or ten years down the road.NEW!Taihō Kōki
Having a clear vision of the future is important in life.
By keeping the big picture in mind, you won’t be swayed by small failures, and you may come to see what you truly need.
From Taihō’s words as well, the message is not to just practice, but to practice what you personally need; and when times are tough, to endure by believing that your ideal self awaits beyond that hardship.
People tend to be overwhelmed by what’s right in front of them, but those who succeed are likely the ones who act with a view that extends years into the future.
It’s easy when you’re on the ascent and riding momentum. A person’s true worth is determined when they’re in a tight spot.NEW!Taihō Kōki
Everyone feels good when they’re on a roll.
It feels like everything is going your way.
But life isn’t an endless uphill climb.
Even Taihō, who left us these words, lost the bout that would have given him a record 69 consecutive wins.
That match is known as the century’s great misjudgment and led to the introduction of video review.
There was an official objection to the decision, but after deliberation, Taihō was handed the loss.
He naturally had regrets, but after the bout he said, “It was my fault for fighting like that.” A person’s true worth is decided when they’re in a tight spot… a quote worth remembering.
Sumo Quotes: Gem-like words left by yokozuna and great rikishi. Fiery words engraved in the ring (11–20)
The mental strength to endure—to dig in with “One more step!” the very moment you think “I can’t go on”—cultivates an unbeatable power to overcome anything.NEW!Taihō Kōki
In the world of competition, you either win or lose.
In sumo, that contest can be over in an instant.
In such moments, there are times when you feel it’s all over.
But through this famous quote, Taiho teaches us that what matters is what comes next.
If you can take just one more step when you think you can’t, if you can endure, the moment that leads to victory may arrive.
A strong heart that never gives up, no matter the circumstances, is the key to drawing victory closer.
It’s a quote to remember especially when you’re in a do-or-die, on-the-edge situation.
I want to build a body that won’t lose to the best men and take them on.NEW!Asashōryū Akinori
Sumo is a sport where competitors collide with their bodies.
A large physique is advantageous in itself, and those who become wrestlers generally follow a diet regimen to gain weight.
But it’s not enough to just get fat—you also need the muscles to push an opponent back or throw them.
In that sense, those who rise to yokozuna possess remarkable bodies.
This quote is about building a body that won’t lose to theirs.
It expresses the desire to become someone who surpasses even the best, while acknowledging the opponent as excellent.
It’s a statement that feels humble yet shows a strong will to win.
I will strive every day, believing that a day will come when we can say that this experience also had great significance.NEW!Hakuho Sho
The yokozuna Hakuho canceled the press conference he had scheduled for the day after winning the championship on the final day.
His reason was consideration for his wife.
Their fourth child, who had been on the way, had a heartbreaking outcome, and his wife was deeply hurt at the time.
If he held the press conference under those circumstances, he would surely be asked about the child, which would only add to her distress—so he chose to cancel.
The quote in question expresses Hakuho’s feelings about that sad event.
Though the sorrow can never truly heal, many may find encouragement in his forward-looking attitude born from his deep love for his wife and child.
I will defeat geniuses through hard work.NEW!Kisenosato Yutaka
The reason these words are passed down as a famous quote is likely because he actually earned the rank of new Yokozuna through hard work.
In the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, where he challenged for the new Yokozuna, Kisenosato suffered an injury, yet he still pulled off a stunning come-from-behind championship.
These words are what he left in his junior high school graduation anthology.
He was a man of effort even back then.
His disciples have said that he was someone who never skipped practice no matter what.
He also said at a lecture at his alma mater that if you work hard, the way will open.
This quote is surely the best encouragement for anyone.