Sumo!

Made it to Tokyo and settling in! One of our first big excursions was to the sumo summer tour stop. We went to one last year because we weren’t in Japan during sumo tournament time (there are 6 per year). The sumo tours are more informal expo type events where the sumo wrestlers go to different areas in Japan to essentially take the sport to the fans. We scored tickets last time and this time using the amazing services at BuySumoTickets. They are super helpful and will add locations for the tickets of places you are willing to travel to - so if you don’t see availability on their website ask them and they will see about other options.

Some background info about Sumo: Sumo dates back over 1,500 years, originally linked to Shinto religious ceremonies. Today, it remains a living tradition, with each element—from the wrestlers' elaborate topknots and ceremonial aprons to the meticulous pre-match rituals—reflecting Japan’s reverence for its history. The wrestlers, known as "rikishi," undergo rigorous training, living in communal "stables" where discipline and hierarchy govern their daily lives. Their meals are designed to build the massive physiques required for the sport, with a particular focus on "chanko-nabe," a hearty stew that has become synonymous with sumo culture.

A sumo match itself is a brief, explosive event, often lasting only a few seconds. Yet, in those moments, fans witness a blend of strategy, balance, and raw power. The objective is simple: force your opponent out of the ring or make any part of their body, other than the soles of their feet, touch the ground. But what makes sumo so captivating is the mental and physical preparation behind each bout, as well as the deep respect shown by the wrestlers to each other and the sport.

Hoshoru

Wakamotoharu

Tobizaru (aka flying monkey) on the right and Atamifuji behind.

Newer wrestler - soon to be Ozeki Onosato

Yokazuna Terenofuji conducting the opening ceremony for sumo matches - unfortunately, he walked off with assistance, so he may miss out on the next tourney in September :-/