Women forbidden on the dohyo?

[maertens@msai.com (Jim Maertens)]

Tommy Crouch wrote:
>Weird question:  I saw a japanese movie a couple of years ago
>called Sumo Do, Sumo Don't (Shiko Funjatta).  In this very funny
>picture, some one prevents the washing of the heya's mawashi.
>Is it really true that mawashi are never washed?
 
I also saw this movie a few years ago on a plane going to or from 
Japan.  (I forget which direction).  I also enjoyed it.  The version 
of the movie I saw was subtitled in English, which I enjoy much more 
than movies that are "dubbed". 

Anyway, in this movie, they also mention that women are forbidden
not only from competing in Sumo, but also from actually setting foot
on the dohyo at anytime.  Can someone please verify this?  And I'm
curious if any official reason is given for this rule.

Don't worry.  I'm not trying to claim sumo is sexist.  Tommy's 
posting made me think of the movie, and so I'm curious how accurate
the movie was.  Thanks.

Jim

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