Have you ever watched Japanese sumo wrestling?
It’s that dramatic scene where two giant wrestlers collide with full force inside the dohyo (sumo ring).
Sometimes, they grab each other’s mawashi and unleash powerful throws.
But doesn’t it make you wonder—why doesn’t the mawashi ever come loose, even when these strong rikishi (wrestlers) pull on it with all their might?
I was curious too, so I decided to look into it.
Why Do Wrestlers Wear the Mawashi?
The mawashi is not just traditional attire—it plays an essential role in the match.
It gives wrestlers something to grab onto, enabling them to perform various techniques.
For wrestlers skilled in throwing techniques, getting a grip on the mawashi gives them a huge advantage.
On the other hand, wrestlers who specialize in pushing try to avoid being grabbed.
Why Not Wear Something Underneath?
According to official sumo rules, wrestlers are prohibited from wearing anything other than the mawashi in the ring.
That’s why they appear to be wearing only the mawashi.
Why Do the Mawashi Colors Differ?
In sumo, only wrestlers ranked sekitori (Juryo and above) are allowed to wear colorful mawashi during matches.
Officially, the Sumo Association rules specify colors like navy blue or purple, but in reality, many different colors are used.
It makes the sport more vibrant, and most fans enjoy seeing the variety.
What Are the Strings Hanging in Front?
The strings dangling in front of the mawashi are called sagari.
They are a remnant of the decorative kesho-mawashi worn in ancient times.
They also serve to provide modesty, though they often fall off during intense matches.
Can the Mawashi Actually Come Off?
In short, you don’t need to worry.
The chance of a mawashi coming loose is extremely low.
The mawashi is made of tightly woven silk.
It is wrapped around the wrestler in a very complex way by two assistants, and it is pulled and tied with great force.
This makes it nearly impossible to come undone during a match.
Please refer to the Japan Sumo Association for details.
It’s in Japanese, but since it includes illustrations, it may be easy to understand.
© NIHON SUMO KYOKAI
What If It Does Come Off?
If a wrestler’s mawashi comes off, it results in an immediate loss by disqualification.
Since sumo is always broadcast nationwide in Japan, such an event would be a huge incident.
Has It Ever Happened?
Yes. In 2000, during a Sandanme (third division) match, a wrestler’s mawashi came undone, leading to disqualification.
Although his private parts were exposed, fortunately, this was not captured on the live broadcast.
In Conclusion
While a sekitori’s mawashi almost never comes off, it’s not 100% impossible.
Wouldn’t you like to witness such an exciting battle over the mawashi?
If you’re intrigued by the world of Japanese sumo, be sure to experience it live—it’s an unforgettable spectacle.
[Japan Sumo Association Official Website]
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