Salt and tears

In Japan, the role of women in the major sport of sumo is a topical issue and a phenomenon undergoing significant change. The Japan Sumo Association still bars women from stepping onto the dohyō, the sacred ring of professional sumo.

"Salt and Tears" is a long-term documentary project that delves into the hidden world of female sumo wrestling in Japan. Sumo, a sport deeply rooted in tradition, where women are not allowed to step into the ring. This series draws attention to the young women who pursue sumo regardless, revealing a narrative of quiet defiance and strength.

At the heart of the project is Nana, a teenage girl from Niigata who began sumo in childhood. Her journey, captured over several years, unfolds through moments of intense training, competition, and introspection. Her story reflects a broader struggle for recognition and equality within a cultural structure that denies it.

This intimate, atmospheric project offers a respectful, emotionally rich portrayal of a rarely seen world. It emphasizes the ritual, repetition, and quiet resilience that define both the sport and its participants. Salt, used in sumo for purification, and tears, shed in moments of triumph or frustration, become powerful symbols of the tradition and emotional release.

The series captures not only physical movement but also the inner lives of its subjects—youthful determination, vulnerability, and identity in transition. It challenges preconceptions about gender roles in Japanese society and gives voice to those who are often unseen.