Both a sacred rite of immutable ceremony and a martial art performed in modern arenas, sumo traces its origin far into Japanese mythology. It is mentioned as early as 712 in the Kojiki (‘Records of Ancient Matters’), which is considered the oldest literary work in Japan and tells of the victory of the god Takemikazuchi in a wrestling match against Takeminakata, thereby winning imperial rule for his people over the Japanese islands.

Mars’ Sumo col lection comprises four expressions distilled at Komagatake and Tsunuki, and is illustrated with depictions of kimarite, techniques used to expel an opponent out of the dohyō-iri (ring).