The "Strongest" Yokozuna Hakuho Teaches How to Enjoy Sumo at its "Best." "Sumo Explained in 7 Keywords: The Abyss of Sanctuary" Unravels the Charm of Sumo with "Cute and Relaxed Illustrated Explanations," Released July 2nd!

This book is supervised by Hakuho, the "world's strongest" yokozuna, who holds five Guinness World Records: most Makuuchi tournament victories (45), longest Yokozuna reign (84 tournaments), most Makuuchi career wins (1,093), most career wins (1,187), and most Makuuchi undefeated championships (16).

● Complete Guide to Sumo Explained in 7 Keywords

Sumo is currently booming, with tickets being completely unavailable. You might understand wins and losses when watching on TV, but what about the winning techniques? The reasons for victory? The reasons for defeat? What's so great about that Sekiwake? What's the ranking system?

While there are many books about sumo, it's true that they can be intimidating for beginners. Therefore, this book series focuses on seven key points and uses illustrations to achieve a structure that allows readers to "understand the core quickly." It's a simple and visually strong illustrated guide.

We invite you to the little-known world of sumo, which goes beyond just rules and systems.

<Structure>

KEYWORD 1: Rules of a Bout

KEYWORD 2: The Sumo System

KEYWORD 3: The Kokugikan, a Sumo Theme Park

KEYWORD 4: Wrestlers in the Sumo Stables

KEYWORD 5: How to Create Your Favorite Wrestler

KEYWORD 6: How to Enjoy Watching Live

KEYWORD 7: Gold Buried in the Dohyo

● The True Enjoyment of Sumo Explained with Illustrations

- Why doesn't the match start immediately at the tachiai (initial charge)?

- What are the important jobs of the gyoji (referee) and yobidashi (caller) outside the dohyo?

- How do foreign wrestlers join sumo?

- Tickets are hard to get, but are there any techniques to get them?

And more:

- Who decides the matches, and how?

- Why isn't there a weight class system in sumo?

- Why is there a roof hanging over the dohyo?

- Why is the Kokugikan located in Ryogoku?

- Seats: Tamari, Masu, and regular seats - what are the differences in viewing points?

- From Yokozuna to Jonokuchi, how much are the wrestlers paid?

- What are the incomes of sumo stables and stablemasters?

And so on.

This book completely explains the simple questions and rules about the sumo world that are difficult to understand from outside the dohyo!

Includes explanations of bout terms and slang from the sumo world that will enhance your enjoyment if you know them!

[Special Appendix] Exclusive Interview with Sho Hakuho

"The Future of Sumo, Reaching 1300 Years of History, Competing at a World Level"

Author Katsuhiro Nishio interviews Hakuho, the supervisor of this book.

The book also details Hakuho's "World Sumo Tournament Hakuho Cup," held since his active days as Yokozuna to elevate sumo to a world-class sport, as well as the details and prospects of the grand "World Sumo Grand Slam" concept!

● Book Information

Title: Sumo Explained in 7 Keywords: The Abyss of Sanctuary ■ Release Date: July 2, 2026 (Thu) ■ Specifications: A5 size, 128 pages (4-color/16 pages, 2-color/112 pages) ■ Price: 1,760 yen (1,600 yen + 10% tax) ■ Publisher: Shufu-to-Seikatsu Co., Ltd. ■ ISBN: 978-4-391-16799-3

[Shufu-to-Seikatsu HP] https://www.shufu.co.jp/bookmook/detail/9784391167993/

[Amazon] https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4391167999/

[Rakuten Books] https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18631431/

● Please consider featuring information about this book in your publication.

[Benefit 1] Author Katsuhiro Nishio is available for interviews and cooperation on author-focused features!

We can arrange author interviews regarding this book and feature stories related to the author's works.

If you are interested, please contact the person in charge below.

[Benefit 2] Complimentary copies of the book are available for reader giveaways!

If you introduce this book on your information website, media, or program, we can provide copies for reader giveaways.

[Benefit 3] Permission for reprint and provision of materials for your web media are available!

We can grant permission for reprints and provide materials from the book tailored to your desired content for your web media.

● Supervisor and Author Profiles

[Supervisor]

Sho Hakuho, the 69th Yokozuna

The 69th Yokozuna. Real name: Sho Hakuho (before naturalization, Munkhbat Davaajargal). Born March 11, 1985. From Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Came to Japan at age 15 and joined Miyagino stable under former Makuuchi Takebayashi. Made his professional debut in the March 2001 tournament. Promoted to Ozeki in the March 2006 tournament and won his first championship in May. Promoted to Yokozuna in the May 2007 tournament. Since then, he has broken numerous all-time records, achieving a 63-bout winning streak and becoming a legendary Yokozuna. 45 tournament victories. Received 3 Outstanding Performance Awards, 1 Fighting Spirit Award, and 2 Technique Awards. One Kinboshi (victory over a Yokozuna) against Asashoryu. Career record: 1187 wins, 247 losses, 253 draws (122 tournaments). Makuuchi record: 1093 wins, 199 losses, 253 draws (103 tournaments). Certified by Guinness World Records for five records: most Makuuchi tournament victories (45), longest Yokozuna reign (84 tournaments), most Makuuchi career wins, most career wins in sumo, and most Makuuchi undefeated championships (16). Favorite techniques: Migi-yotsu (left-hand inside, right-hand outside grip), Yori (pushing), Uwamake-nage (overarm throw). Retired in 2021. Assumed the elder name Magaki. Assumed the 13th generation Miyagino in 2022. Will retire from the Japan Sumo Association in 2025. Height: 192 cm, Weight: 155 kg. Since his active days, he has focused on mentoring younger wrestlers, holding the "Hakuho Cup" for junior sumo tournaments since 2010 during his Yokozuna tenure. The Hakuho Cup will mark its 16th event in 2026.

YouTube @Hakuho_Official Threads @yokozuna_hakuho Instagram @yokozuna_hakuho TikTok @hakuho_official X @HakuhoSho69

[Author]

Katsuhiro Nishio

Born in 1980. From Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture. After graduating from Nihon University, he worked as an engineer at a foreign-affiliated IT company while also launching the sumo blog "The Little-Known World of Makushita Sumo" in 2011, which recorded 13 million PV. He began his career as a sports and sumo writer in 2015, contributing sumo articles to publications such as "Number" and "Gendai Business." He also appears on TV and radio programs, including as a commentator for Yomiuri TV's "Information Live Miyaneya," and is involved in various activities such as interviews and project collaborations. Yahoo! Expert. His books include "Sumo Theory as a Sport" (Kobunsha), "Fun to See in Pictures! First Sumo" (Subarusha), and "Sumo Theory for Business" (Mikasa Shobo).

HP makushitasumo.com/ X @NihilJapk Instagram @makushitasumo