In response to Japan’s increasingly severe summer heat, the Japan Sumo Association has announced plans to adjust its upcoming tour schedule. With parts of the country experiencing temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), officials are implementing safety protocols to prevent heat-related illnesses among wrestlers.

Key changes to the tour include a reduction in the number of scheduled dates and a strict policy to avoid venues that lack adequate air conditioning. These decisions follow Japan’s hottest summer on record last year, which has prompted a broader national conversation about public safety during extreme weather events. The association aims to balance the tradition of the regional tours with the physical well-being of the athletes, who are particularly vulnerable to heat exhaustion during high-intensity training and competition. While the association has not released a full list of canceled venues, the focus remains on ensuring that all remaining tour stops provide a climate-controlled environment for both the wrestlers and the spectators.