A sumo wrestler in Japan recently expressed his displeasure over a routine blood test, exclaiming that it was painful. The wrestler's outcry has sparked discussion over the health protocols in the sport, raising questions about the level of medical testing sumo wrestlers are subjected to. The incident happened during a routine health check, where blood tests are part of the examination.

In Japan, sumo wrestlers are seen as epitomes of strength and endurance, and they rarely complain about physical discomfort, so this incident has caught public attention. On the societal level, it raises questions about the state of healthcare services in sports and whether these athletes are receiving the necessary care and attention.

In contrast to the US and EU, where athletes are usually vocal about their health-related concerns, Japanese sumo wrestlers have a cultural tendency to be more stoic. However, the general standard of health care for athletes in most professional sports in Western countries meets high standards.