Shio-maki (Salt Throwing)

Shio-maki — Salt Throwing

Shio-maki (塩撒き) is the ritual scattering of purification salt by wrestlers before a bout. In Shinto tradition, salt is a purifying agent that drives away evil spirits and protects against injury.

Only wrestlers in the top two divisions (Makuuchi and Juryo) are permitted to throw salt. Lower-division wrestlers perform a simplified pre-bout ritual without salt. The average amount of salt used per tournament day is approximately 45 kilograms (100 pounds).

Some wrestlers are known for their dramatic salt-throwing style. The crowd favorite Mitoizumi was legendary for hurling massive handfuls of salt high into the air, turning the pre-bout ritual into a crowd-pleasing performance. Today, wrestlers like Ura are known for their distinctive salt-throwing styles.

The entire pre-bout ritual — including squatting, clapping, leg stomping (shiko), mouth rinsing, and salt throwing — can take several minutes for top-division bouts. This ritual buildup is a core part of the sumo experience and helps build tension before the explosive tachiai.