This article is part of ZEIT am Wochenend, issue 43/2023.
The thing about equality came later. Actually, Hiyori Kon just wanted to do sports. Sumo. Like now. She enters the fighting ring, crouches down and places her fist on the sandy ground, first one, then the other. She is ready for battle – and not only challenges her opponent. The ring, called dohyo, in which Kon stands is considered sacred in sumo and must not be defiled. Women are considered unclean because they menstruate. You are not allowed to enter the ring.
