Sumo to cut summer tour and avoid venues without AC

Sumo officials are planning to reduce summer tour dates and avoid venues without air conditioning as Japan faces more dangerous heat.

Tour chief Takadagawa said events could not be held in summer at venues without air conditioning. He also said sumo chiefs planned to reduce the annual tour schedule from 90 days to about 70 from next summer.

Takadagawa said wrestlers could stay in the same place for nearby venues and take part in two- or three-day tournaments to reduce travel and physical strain.

Sumo wrestlers have been performing during an annual August tour at venues around Japan. Local media said at least one venue this month had no air conditioning around the ring or in the changing rooms.

Japan had its hottest summer on record last year, and parts of the country have reached 40C in recent days. Scientists say human-induced climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of dangerous weather in Japan.

Japan has about 1,300 heat-related deaths each year. Fijian rugby player Saimoni Vunilagi died in Japan earlier in August after being taken to hospital with symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke. Authorities have adjusted the timing of several cultural and sporting events in recent years because of the heat.