What are the potential economic incentives in sumo wrestling?

The phenomenon described here is related to the world of sumo wrestling, where a wrestler's ranking, determined by their wins in bimonthly tournaments, influences every aspect of their life.

An interesting observation is that wrestlers with a 7-7 record in a 15-round tournament often win their final bout, which allows them to advance in ranking. This has led to speculation about the role of economic incentives, suggesting that higher-ranked wrestlers might be bribed to lose a match to help a lower-ranked wrestler advance.

However, it's also important to consider the strong moral and social incentives within the sumo community. The high stakes associated with winning or losing could motivate higher-ranked wrestlers to assist those at risk of falling back in the rankings, not just for financial gain, but also to maintain the community's balance and harmony.

This phenomenon is a complex interplay of economic, social, and moral factors within the sumo wrestling community.

The sumo wrestling community upholds its moral and social values in the face of potential economic incentives through a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support. Higher-ranked wrestlers often assist those at risk of falling back in the rankings, not necessarily due to bribery, but due to the strong moral and social incentives within the community. The stakes for winning or losing are high, and the community values are deeply ingrained, which helps maintain the integrity of the sport.

The potential consequences of economic incentives on the fairness of sumo wrestling could be significant. If higher-ranked wrestlers are bribed to lose a match, it undermines the integrity of the sport. It could lead to a loss of trust among fans, a decrease in the sport's popularity, and potential legal consequences. It also creates an unfair playing field for wrestlers who are not involved in such practices and are genuinely trying to advance based on their skills and performance.