Watch Little Miss Sumo

Little Miss Sumo is a heartwarming and inspiring documentary film directed by British filmmaker Matt Kay. The movie tells the story of Hiyori Kon, a 20-year-old female professional sumo wrestler from Japan who dreams of becoming the first female yokozuna, the highest rank in the sport. The film begins by introducing Hiyori Kon and her family, who live in a small town in Japan. From a young age, Hiyori has always been passionate about sumo wrestling, a sport traditionally dominated by men. Despite facing ridicule and discrimination from her peers and even her own coach, Hiyori never gave up on her dream of becoming a sumo wrestler.

As Hiyori grows older and more skilled, she decides to enter the world of professional sumo wrestling, where she faces even greater obstacles. In a sport where women are not allowed to compete professionally, Hiyori must train and compete under the guise of a male wrestler, shaving her head and wearing a men's mawashi (sumo belt) to conceal her gender.

Despite the challenges she faces, Hiyori's talent and determination catch the attention of the sumo community and she begins to gain recognition for her skills. However, as she approaches the highest ranks of the sport, she must face even greater barriers to her success, including the age-old tradition of misogyny in the sumo world.

Throughout the film, we watch as Hiyori battles against social norms and gender stereotypes to prove that women can be just as skilled and dedicated as men in the sport of sumo wrestling. The movie also explores the broader issue of gender inequality in Japan and the struggles faced by women in male-dominated industries.

Little Miss Sumo features stunning cinematography and intimate interviews with Hiyori and her family, as well as with members of the sumo community who support her efforts to shatter the gender barrier in the sport. The film also includes a touching and powerful soundtrack that highlights the emotional highs and lows of Hiyori's journey.

Overall, Little Miss Sumo is a moving and empowering documentary that illuminates the struggles and triumphs of a young woman who is determined to break gender barriers and pursue her dreams. It is a must-see for anyone interested in sports, gender equality, and Japanese culture.

Little Miss Sumo is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.