In a country where the ideals of bushido and Zen Buddhism ¡ª perseverance, patience, and quiet dignity ¡ª are ever-present, no sport embodies the stoic mindset more than sumo.
Whether it¡¯s refraining from celebration after victory, or remaining emotionless in interviews, Japan¡¯s national sport continuously demands the highest levels of self-control and restraint from its athletes.
And yet it¡¯s the moments when decorum slips ¡ª Takanohana¡¯s famous May 2001 ¡°demon face,¡± for example ¡ª that linger longest in fans¡¯ memories.
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