Sumo in Japan is the national sport and is a traditional form of wrestling steeped in ritual and history. Characterized by its unique rules, ceremonial aspects, and the distinctive appearance of its athletes, sumo is more than just a sport; it’s an integral part of Japanese culture, embodying strength, honor, and tradition in each bout.
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What’s Sumo?
Sumo in Japan is the National Sport. Therefore, it is very popular among the Japanese. Therefore, Sumo is the National Sport of Japan as well as the favorite sport of Japanese people.
Besides, Sumo is related to Shintoism and conveys holiness, too. That is why Sumo is different from other games in Japan. It is popular and religious, both.
Sumo wrestlers try to push each other out of a ring, and whoever succeeds becomes the winner.
In Japanese, ‘Sumo’ means ‘to mutually rush at’ or ‘quick move.’ However, its simple meaning is ‘to compete.’
Sumo is not only popular in Japan but also in many countries. So, the International Olympic Committee recognized Sumo wrestling as an Olympic sport in 2018.
Japan’s Sumo History:
According to Japanese Sumo history, Sumo was started more than 2,000 years ago. During the Heian Period, dated 794-1192, it became more popular in the Japanese imperial family.
However, Sumo became professional many years later. During the Edo Period(1603-1867), Sumo became a professional sport in Japan.
During Edo Period, Sumo was banned temporally and, in 1684, started again for charity events in Kyoto and Osaka. Actually, has a deep relation to Shintiosm and that’s why Sumo used to be held in the Shinto shrines.
It is important to note that the first Sumo tournament was held in Tomioka Hachiman Shrine in Koto City, the most prominent Hachiman shrine in Tokyo.
Sumo season and place:
Sumo tournaments are held six times in four places every year. The places are Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.
However, three tournaments, January, May, and September, are held in Japan’s largest Sumo Stadium, Ryoguku Kokugikan, in Sumida City.
Every tournament of Sumo in Japan usually starts Ist or 2nd Sunday. In Tokyo, the January Grand Sumo Tournament begins on the Ist or 2nd Sunday in Tokyo’s Sumida Sumo Stadium. However, the May and September two tournaments start 2nd Sunday.
The rest of the three tournaments are held in Osaka, Fukuoka, and Nagoya.
These three places are on March 2nd Sunday, in Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka, July Ist or 2nd Sunday in Nagoya Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium in Nagoya, and November 2nd Sunday in Fukuoka Kokusai Center in Fukuoka.
Best place to see Sumo:
Now the question is, where to watch Sumo in Japan? Watching Sumo in the right place at the right time is very important. Otherwise, the joy of the game may not be fulfilled.
Besides, it depends on where you are landing during the Sumo tournament. If you watching Sumo in Japan is one of your wishes during your trip, then making a plan is necessary.
January, May, and September Sumo tournaments are held in Tokyo. So it would not be easy to watch Sumo if you are in Osaka during this time.
On the other hand, March, July, and November Sumo tournaments are held in Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Therefore, it would not be easy for you to attend Sumo tournaments if you are in Tokyo during this time.
In short, a suitable plan in the right season is essential for watching Sumo. Otherwise, you may miss your Sumo watching plan.
Sumo in Tokyo:
Besides, among Japan’s four seasons, three seasonal Tournaments(January-Hatsu or New Year, May-Natsu or Summer, and September-Aki or Autumn tournaments) are held in this stadium every year.
Of course, Sumo in Tokyo is famous like other cities in Japan. But there is a joy watching Sumo in the biggest Japan’s Sumo Stadium. On the other hand, there is more possibility of availability of getting tickets.
Moreover, the surrounding of the Ryogoku Kokugikan is very pleasant historic and worth visiting the sites.
Sumo wrestling Tickets:
Sumo is very popular in Japan. Therefore, someone who wants to watch Sumo in Japan must buy tickets in advance.
However, there are two kinds of tickets. One is a Japanese-style seat on the floor, and another kind is an arena seat, as seating in a western-style stadium seat.
Four persons can sit in one Japanese-style box seat, which price usually starts with 38,000 Japanese Yen, and a single person can sit on an arena seat that costs 3,800 Japanese Yen.
It is important to note that getting a chance to watch Sumo in Japan is like a marathon because of the availability of tickets. However, keep trying to buy online is the best way to get a Sumo ticket.
Sumo Training in Japan:
Somehow, if you miss Sumo season or do not get tickets, there is a way to experience Sumo matches in Japan. You can see the same wrestlers who play in the tournaments.
You can book a Sumo training tour with others and visit a training venue. It is a 2-hour tour. Many people are interested to see Sumo training in Japan.
It may not be as good as watching tournaments in the stadium, but at least someone who does not get a chance to watch it is better to see how the Sumo wrestlers get training.
Honestly, it is exciting, and you can even take great selfies with them, which is not possible during the tournaments.
Besides, the wish of watching Sumo in Japan will be fulfilled during your trip. That is great!
Sumo Restaurant:
Do you want to try what Sumo wrestlers eat? Chankonabe. It is one kind of special Japanese stew on pot style food with Dashi or chicken broth, sake or mirin, tofu, chicken or fish, and vegetables (Bok, Daikon, Choy, and others).
If so, there are several famous Sumo Japanese restaurants near the Sumo Stadium where Chankonabe is available. Many Japanese and foreigners enjoy Chankonabe there.
Surroundings:
Watching Sumo in Tokyo is beneficial. Visitors can enjoy wrestlers’ food and can visit historical sites.
Tokyo Edo Museum is next to the Sumo Stadium, where visitors can experience the Edo Period. Besides, there are two more historical sites. One is the Japanese Sword Museum, where visitors can learn about Japanese swords, and another is Sumida Yokoamicho Park, where visitors can see the situation of Tokyo during World War II.
So, if you decide to watch Sumo in Japan, I recommend my readers watch it in Tokyo, if possible.
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