Liputan6.com, Jakarta Sanae Takaichi, who made history as Japan's first female Prime Minister, now stands at a crossroads between tradition and modernity.
She faces a significant dilemma regarding her participation in the trophy presentation ceremony at the sumo tournament, a tradition long dominated by men.
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This debate comes to a head ahead of the conclusion of a major sumo tournament in Fukuoka in November 2025, where the Prime Minister traditionally presents the Prime Minister's Cup.
However, ancient Shinto tradition forbids women from entering the dohyō, or sumo ring, as it is considered sacred and women "impure."
When asked whether Takaichi would push for permission to hand over the prime minister's trophy to the winner on Sunday, chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara did not give a definitive answer.
“The prime minister wishes to respect sumo tradition and culture,” he told reporters this week, according to the Jiji Press news agency.
“The government has not yet made a decision on the matter. We will consider an appropriate response based on the prime minister’s will.”
Sumo Traditions and the Ban on Women from the Dohyō
The world of sumo, deeply rooted in Shinto beliefs, has strict rules that have been maintained for centuries.
One of the most controversial traditions is the prohibition on women entering or even touching the dohyō, the ring area where sumo wrestlers compete.
This belief is based on the view that the dohyō is a sacred space that can be defiled by female "impurities," particularly menstruation.
This ban has effectively excluded women from many important roles in professional sumo, including as wrestlers, referees, and ceremonial presenters.
Although many countries have moved towards gender equality, sumo remains one of the most steadfast bastions of tradition in Japan, resisting change in this area.
History records several incidents in which women in important positions were denied entry to the dohyō.
In 1990, Mayumi Moriyama, then Japan's first female Chief Cabinet Secretary, was denied permission to present the Prime Minister's Cup in the ring.
A similar incident happened in 2000 when Osaka Governor Fuse Ohta was also banned.
The Role of the Prime Minister and the Challenges in Sumo
As Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi is traditionally expected to present trophies to sumo tournament winners, an honor typically performed inside the dohyō.
However, her status as the first woman to hold Japan's highest office creates an unprecedented precedent.
She must navigate the delicate balance between respecting ancient traditions and fulfilling her modern role as leader of an increasingly open nation.
The Japanese government, through Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, stated that the Prime Minister "wants to respect sumo's traditions and culture," but that no final decision has been made.
On the other hand, the Japan Sumo Association (JSA) expressed cautious optimism about Takaichi's initiative.
They acknowledged the importance of evolving cultural norms and expressed openness to discussing new policies.
Sanae Takaichi's Decision
Sanae Takaichi's decision will be crucial soon.
If she chooses to enter the ring, it will be a direct challenge to centuries-old taboos.
This action could be hailed by gender equality advocates as a significant step toward modernizing Japan's cultural landscape.
However, Takaichi is also known for her conservative or ultra-nationalist views, which may make her inclined to respect tradition.
Choosing not to enter the dohyō would be more in line with her conservative political base, but risks disappointing those hoping for change.
Ultimately, Takaichi's decision will be a powerful symbol of how Japan views its cultural future.
It will be an important indicator of how far the country is willing to adapt to international standards of gender equality, while still honoring its unique historical identity.