Sumo wrestlers gathered for an event at Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine to honour 2,500,000 Japanese war dead.

Around 3,000 people filled a specially-built arena for an event that dates back 130 years.

Sumo's traditional origins are fading and the sport is now mostly occupied by foreign nationals.

Sumo fan Seijiro Kakiwata said: "It's disgraceful that most of top ranks have been dominated by Mongolians in recent years. Japanese wrestlers should go through rigorous training just like they used to be and become stronger than them."

Many young Japanese are reluctant to enter the rigid world of sumo, so commentators say more foreigners are likely to test their skills in the sumo ring.

Especially those from countries where wrestling is popular.

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