The »å´Ç³ó²â¨, or sumo ring, has always been sacred ground ¡ª a circle where only men may tread, bound by centuries of ritual and pride. Now, Japan has its first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, and the question hangs in the air: If she can stand at the center of power, why not in the center of the ring?
That question may soon face a real-world test.
On the final day of each basho (tournament), the top-division champion receives several awards, including the Prime Minister¡¯s Cup ¡ª a large silver trophy bearing the name of Japan¡¯s head of government. Despite its title, the prize is usually handed over not by the prime minister, but by a high-level dignitary, such as a deputy chief cabinet secretary, on their behalf.
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