Sumo is more than a sport — it’s a ritual, a mirror of Japanese identity, and now, surprisingly, a digital community reaching across the world. In this episode, Andrea explores how one of Japan’s oldest traditions is finding new life in unexpected places: a backyard in Victoria, British Columbia, a childhood memory in Japanese immigrants, and a global network of Fantasy Sumo fans.
Through conversations with Matt, a Fantasy Sumo enthusiast, and Akari, who grew up watching the sport with her grandparents, this episode traces what happens when an ancient practice wrestles with globalization, technology, and change. It’s a story about respect, connection, and the delicate balance between holding on and letting go.
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