Sumo wrestlers seek pay raise

The Telegraph reports that Asashoryu has asked the Japan Sumo Association to give sumo wrestlers a pay raise:

Addressing the 70 members, Asashoryu said they needed a pay rise of 10 per cent to cover the rising cost of their staples, which include bread, rice, mayonnaise, cooking oil and beer.

Japan has been badly affected by rising global oil prices because it relies on food imports so heavily.

The last time the wrestlers had a pay increment – just 3 per cent – was in 2001 and the feeling among their ranks is that they deserve a raise.

As the top wrestler, Asashoryu, earns about Y60 million (£284,000) a year in wages, win bonuses and endorsements, but the lowest-ranked fighters in the top division will only take home a little over Y1 million (£4,800).

“To be honest, no-one in the sumo world has had a pay rise recently because the sport has been declining in popularity and fewer people are going to tournaments,” said Clyde Newton, an author and expert on Japan’s national sport. “They really just can’t afford pay increases.