For decades, one of sumo¡¯s most unique selling points has been its accessibility.
Contrary to foreign media¡¯s ubiquitous framing of Japan¡¯s national sport as a ¡°secret world,¡± interaction between fans and wrestlers or stables has long been free, easy and commonplace.
However, a massive surge in inbound tourism over the past few years, sumo¡¯s rapidly growing international fan base and the business realities of modern sport are putting pressure on long-held practices and norms.
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