Sumo chiefs are planning measures to beat Japan's increasingly punishing summer heat, including avoiding venues that do not have air conditioning and lightening the load on weary wrestlers.
Japan sweltered through its hottest summer on record last year and parts of the country have hit 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in recent days.
Hakata ward in the southwestern city of Fukuoka on Wednesday saw the temperature hit 40.4 degrees, caused by hot, moist air from a typhoon flowing into the surrounding region, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
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Across the nation, 246 of 914 observation points reported 35 degrees or higher during the day, crossing the threshold of "extremely hot". When the mercury tops 40 degrees, it is classified as "cruelly hot".
Like elsewhere, human-induced climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of dangerous weather in Japan, scientists say. The weather agency expects high temperatures will continue for about a month, advising people to stay hydrated and avoid heat sickness.
Sumo wrestlers have been in action throughout August, taking part in a gruelling annual summer tour that sees them perform at venues all around the nation.
Tour chief Takadagawa, who goes by one name, told reporters that changes would have to be made to protect their safety. "We can't do it in places that don't have air conditioning in summer," he said this week.
Wrestlers held exhibitions this month in at least one venue that had no air conditioning around the ring or in the changing rooms, local media said.
Takadagawa, a former wrestler who is now a stablemaster, said sumo chiefs also planned to reduce the number of annual tour dates, starting from next summer.
"The schedule has been 90 days until now but we are looking to reduce it to around 70," he said.
"To reduce the physical strain, we will have wrestlers stay in the same place for nearby venues and incorporate two- or three-day tournaments.
"We won't make them undergo excessive travel," Takadagawa added.
Japan experiences about 1,300 heat-related deaths annually.
Fijian rugby player Saimoni Vunilagi died in Japan earlier this month 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.
Additional reporting by Kyodo
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