The road to sumo stardom is changing. While young wrestlers once entered the sport straight out of junior high, today many of Japan’s top rikishi are emerging from powerhouse high school programs. Leading the charge is Saitama Sakae High School, whose alumni include stars like Ozeki Kotozakura and several top-division wrestlers. With elite coaching, a winning tradition, and a growing reputation for producing champions, the school has become one of sumo’s most successful talent factories—and its influence shows no signs of slowing down.