A government panel has weighed into Osaka governor Fusae Ota's long-standing feud with the Japan Sumo Association over her request to enter the sumo ring.
For several years, Ota has pressed sumo's governing body to allow her to enter the ring to present an award to the winner of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, which begins in Osaka tomorrow.
Since her election in 2000, the Japan Sumo Association has banned Ota from presenting the prize to the tournament winner, arguing that women have traditionally been prohibited from entering the ring.
Yesterday, Kyodo News reported that the Osaka prefectural audit committee urged the governor's office not to award the state-funded prize saying the association's refusal to let women enter the ring is "unfavorable."
Despite mounting pressure to allow Ota to enter the ring, the Japan Sumo Association has taken an uncooperative stance on the issue.
Ota has said she will send a male vice governor on her behalf to present the prize at the end of the 15-day tournament.
The committee made the recommendation in response to a petition from a citizens group.
It is customary in sumo to have politicians and dignitaries present trophies on the final day in ceremony inside the dohyo (ring).
Ota became Japan's first female governor in February 2000 and has since been asking to present the Osaka governor trophy at the Spring tournament. A male vice governor has presented the award the last three years.
Japan's ancient sport is bound by tradition. Before bouts, sumo wrestlers throw salt in the ring in a purification ritual.
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