The DOHYO

At the background is the " dohyo " or the sumo ring. The dohyo takes it's name from the straw rice bag which mark out it's different parts. The greater portion of each bale is firmly buried in the earth. It is 18 feet square and 2 feet high and is constructed of a special kind of clay. The hard surface is covered with a thin layer of sand. The bout is confined to an inner circle a little over 15 feet feet in diameter. Over the dohyo suspended from the ceiling by cables is a roof resembling a Shinto shrine with four giant tassels hanging from each corner to signify the seasons of the year.