Osaka official challenging sumo tradition

Associated Press

TOKYO — Golf has Martha Burk, sumo has Fusae Ota.

For the third consecutive year, Osaka Gov. Fusae Ota has been banned from entering sumo's sacred ring because of her gender.

Yesterday, Ota told a press conference that Japan Sumo Association chairman Kitanoumi had informed her again that the association would maintain its ban on women entering the competition and ceremonial ring, known as the dohyo.

Ota had hoped to present a trophy to the winner of this year's Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka next month. It is customary in sumo to have politicians and dignitaries present trophies on the final day in ceremony inside the dohyo.

Burk is the chairwoman of the National Council of Women's Organizations and has been leading a movement for admission of a female member to the Augusta National Golf Club.

Like Burk's efforts with Augusta National and golf, Ota has been urging officials of the ancient Japanese sport to change some of its practices.

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.