sumo school
In Japan the school year begins in April, for many children it marks the start of high school. At this particular school seven boys left their family homes to live and train together, beginning their path into the world of sumo.
At just twelve years old they commit themselves fully to the discipline, following in the footsteps of generations of wrestlers before them. For some it is a path that leads to recognition and status, sumo wrestlers often becoming public figures, held in high regard within Japanese culture. Sumo itself dates back over two thousand years with traditions rooted in Shinto belief and Japanese mythology. Historically, contests were held at shrines and formed part of rituals dedicated to the gods, often tied to prayers for good harvests.
Life as a rikishi is highly structured. Every aspect is designed to build strength, technique, and resilience. The boys live, eat, and train together, their days shaped by long hours of physical training, balanced with formal education.
Captured on 6×7 medium format film, 2014.
I would like to thank Kaiyō High School for allowing me the honour of capturing the first few days in their students lives and a very big thank you to Yukiko, Satoko and Shingen Ikehara who without their help this project would not have been possible.