Derived from ancient Shinto rites celebrating a good harvest, Sumo is Japan’s truly unique national sport. The tournament’s lively pageantry is as exciting as the matches themselves, which can last just a few seconds!
As Bev, Zen, and I first witnessed during a sumo morning practice session at Tokyo’s Musashigawa Beya stable, the wrestler’s display of agility and durability is truly remarkable. The wrestlers live and train here, and practice each morning, followed by a large meal of chankonobe (a hearty, protein-rich stew made with various types of meat and vegetables). Though a thrilling spectator sport, we consider this a most unique Shinto-centered cultural experience.
Before each tournament bout, each rikishi (wrestler) rinses their mouth with water and tosses salt in the ring; appropriate purification rituals reflecting Japan’s native Shinto culture. Since no translations are available at the Sumo tournaments, we provide an English-speaking guide for our clients, offering a detailed description of the events.
The Financial Times recently published s November 2025 article about Sumo wrestlers and their iconic hair styles. It stated that at the end of the Edo period, mid-19th century, the warrior classes like the samurai were abolished. During this time, it was decreed that people were allowed to wear any hairstyle they chose. The only people to continue with the traditional mage hair style, the popular top knot seen in many Edo period depictions, were the Sumo wrestlers. Tokoyama, the wrestler’s hairdressers, continue to style the current day Sumo and even travel with them. The mage was traditionally rooted in rituals and prayers for a bountiful harvest, as well as speaking to the Sumo’s dignity. There are two popular hairstyles currently worn. The basic top knot, like a ponytail but swept forwards from the back of the head. The second is the Oicho top knot, reserved for top wrestlers, which uses an iron rod in the center to create a secure Ginko leaf shaped fan.
In 1944, the number of Sumo wrestlers peaked at 943 and today’s number is closer to 600. 2024 was the lowest number of possible recruits. However, the demand for Sumo wrestlers has started to go up. That same year, 2024, was the first time in nearly 30 years that all 15 days of the six Sumo Grand Tournaments sold out. The following October, London’s Royal Albert Hall sold out a five-day tournament. The art form of Sumo and tokoyama, will hopefully be steadily continuing with the public’s newfound love of this uniquely Japanese sport.
Based on the popularity of the country’s six national tournaments (bashō), we must arrange seating some time in advance.
Sumo Tournament Schedule:
January/May/September: Tokyo
March: Osaka
July: Nagoya
November: Fukuoka
This past May, our Japan supplier and good friend, Ms Yumiko san, attended the sumo tournament in Tokyo. Please see her report below:
Around 2:30 pm, the top division sumo wrestlers (known as makuuchi rikishi) are on their way to the Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena.
As he approaches the arena, many fans scream in awe.
By 3:40 pm, all sumo wrestlers stand at the ring wearing mawashi (ceremonial aprons) for the ring-entering ceremony.
Top-ranking wrestlers enter the ring, signaling the start of the Makunouchi Top Division match.
View of the tournament from Seat B, east side of the arena.
Photo credit: Yumiko Tokunaga
6:00 pm: Yumitori-shiki (bow twirling) closing ceremony with rousing sounds of yagura taiko drumming filling the arena. Guests are leaving their seats satisfied and happy!
At Ryoguku Kokugikan, you can visit the Sumall souvenir shop and the concession stand, famous for their yakitori and obento.
Thank you for the report, Yumiko san!
