Sumo is Japan’s national sport. Sumo is such a popular sport that many people from overseas visit Japan to watch it. In this article, I would like to introduce the appeal of sumo, including how to watch sumo in Japan.
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The charm of sumo

Sumo is full of uniquely Japanese charms, such as the powerful matches between big sumo wrestlers, the performances such as the ring entry ceremony, and the solemn atmosphere of the entire arena. However, even though sumo is a traditional national sport, the rules of the competition itself are very simple, and there are only three rules that determine the winner. [The rules of sumo are as follows] (1) You win if you make your opponent place his foot outside the “dohyo”(ring) . (2) You win when you make your opponent touch the ground with something other than his feet. (3) In case of committing a foul, you lose. As you can see, the distinction between victory and defeat is easy to understand, and even those who are not familiar with sumo can enjoy it. Also, since there is no weight limit in sumo, it is exciting to see a powerful clash between two huge wrestlers weighing over 200 kilograms, or a smaller wrestler throwing away a bigger wrestler with a technique. In the atmosphere of the arena cheering and applauding the amazing techniques, you will be able to experience the excitement that can only be experienced live.

The beginning of sumo

Sumo has a long history, dating back to mythological times. In the “Kojiki” (historical description), Takemikatsuchi-no-kami said to Takeminakata-no-kami of Izumo area, “I want to compete with you for strength,” and took the arm of Takemikatsuchi-no-kami and tried to throw him away. Besides, Haniwa (clay figurines) excavated from the remains of the Kofun period (around 3th to 7th century) depict sumo-like wrestling. In the Nara period (710-794), the emperor began to watch sumo matches as a court event. Over time, in the age of the samurai, sumo came to be actively practiced by the samurai to train their bodies and minds and to use them in battle. During the Edo period (1603-1868), sumo was transformed into a popular pastime for the common people to watch and became a popular sport for many people. However, in the Meiji era (1868-1912), sumo changed drastically from the Edo era and found itself in a difficult situation. With the end of the samurai era, the Meiji Restoration, and the opening of the country to civilization, a law banning nudity was issued in 1871, and wrestlers were fined or flogged as a punishment. However, in 1884, thanks to the efforts of the Meiji Emperor and politicians, sumo came back to life when the “Tenran Sumo match”(the match watched by the emperor) was held, and sumo came to be recognized by society. In the following years, sumo came to be recognized not only in Japan but also overseas as the national sport, producing many star sumo wrestlers.

How to watch sumo

Let’s take a look at how to watch sumo in Japan.

Sumo schedule and ticket purchase method

Sumo tournaments are held for two weeks in a row in odd-numbered months: January, May, and September in Tokyo; March in Osaka Prefecture; July in Aichi Prefecture; and November in Fukuoka Prefecture. Tickets can be purchased mainly at “Ticket Ozumo”, the official sales website of the Japan Sumo Association. Basically, reservations are required, but some unreserved seats are sold on the day. However, most of the seats are reserved seats, and advance reservations are required. The first step is to apply in advance about two months before the start of each event. In the case of advance reservation, the application period is about two weeks, and you choose the date and type of seat you want and apply. However, please note that this is only an application process, and whether or not you will be able to purchase a seat will be determined by lottery. Those who are not selected in the lottery will be able to purchase tickets from the general sales. General sales are also accepted at the “Ticket Ozumo” website, as well as at various ticket sales websites and other media.

Progress of the day

Sumo is held from 9:00 a.m. to around 6:00 p.m. From the morning until around 3:30 p.m., the divisions wthere mainly young wrestlers fight called “kakunokuchi” “makushita,” and “juryo,” compete in matches. After that, wrestlers from the top five ranked classess, called makuuchi, begin their ring-enter ceremony. After the ceremony, makuuchi wrestlers begin their matches. The matches between the popular and strong wrestlers are truly powerful, and you can’t take your eyes off them until the final match with yokozuna.

Manners while watching games

Since this is a national sport with history, tradition and dignity, please follow the minimum rules or manners when watching the games. (1) Do not move your seat during the match. (2) Don’t wear hats that might disturb other spectators. (3) Do not throw the cushion on your seat. (4) Do not cheer for the opponent in a disparaging way.

Sumo spectator seats

The price of watching sumo varies depending on the seats. There are three main types of seats: tamari seats, mass seats, and chair seats.

tamari seats

The most exciting seats are the tamari seats. These seats are very close to the sumo ring, and are commonly called “Sunakaburi” seats, where you can fully feel the attraction of sumo. However, you need to be aware that wrestlers who are pushed out of the ring may fall from the ring. And eating, drinking, taking photos, and using mobile phones are not allowed here. The prices are not affordable, but if you want to experience the realistic of sumo, this is a good place to watch a match.

mass seats

Just behind the tamari seats are the “mass seats,” which consist of four seats in a square and are surrounded by low steel pipes. These seats are a little farther away from the ring than the tamari seats, but you can eat, drink, and take pictures in a relaxed atmosphere. These seats are recommended for watching the matches with friends or family. In order of proximity to the ring, the seats are Mass A, Mass B, and Mass C. The closer you are to the ring, the higher the price.

chair seats

The most reasonable seats are the chair seats. they are generally located on the second floor and have a large number of seats. The distance from the ring is considerable, but as with the mass seats, eating, drinking, and taking pictures are allowed. If it is your first time to watch a sumo match, this is a good place to start. If you want to watch a match get a more realistic of the match after watching it casually, you may want to choose a seat near the ring.

Ranking table with the names of the most talented people at the top

Some of you may have seen the”banzuke-list” with the names of the wrestlers lined up in a row. In a nutshell, it is a ranking list of the wrestlers. Before the next tournament begins, the ranking list is written by hand by a gyoji. The gyoji is the person who is in charge of the proceedings and judges the matches. Sumo ranking lists have been made since the Edo period (1603-1868), and were posted on the notice boards with the dates and times of the tournaments and the names and portraits of the wrestlers. As the event expanded, woodblock printing was used to advertise the event more widely, and even today, the original banzuke-list is handwritten and photoengraved for printing. It is written in a unique font called “Sumo letters,” with so many characters that there are no gaps, in the hope that it will be filled with many spectators. It takes about 10 days to make. It is a very honorable job that only those who are good at writing are assigned among the gyoji.

Sumo stable tour

Depending on your schedule, you may not be able to watch sumo tournaments. In that case, if the timing is right, you can enjoy sumo outside of the main tournament.

Observing morning practice at a sumo stable

Sumo stables are the groups to which the sumo wrestlers belong, where they practice in the morning. The sumo stables are mainly located in Tokyo, so if you want to see sumo in person in Tokyo, this is the place for you. The time of day you can visit varies from stable to stable, but they are usually held from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. You need to check each stable’s website in advance for availability of reservations and times.

Let’s try sumo wrestling

Some travel agencies offer plans that allow you to experience sumo in a real sumo ring with experienced wrestlers and interpreters. You can learn basic sumo routines such as how to fasten the “mawashi” and step on the “shiko-fumi, etc. After the experience, there is also a plan to eat “chanko-nabe”, a hot pot dish, usually eaten by sumo wrestlers.

Japan’s national sport “Sumo”

Sumo is widely known overseas as Japan’s national sport. In a solemn atmosphere, sumo wrestlers compete head-to-head in a fight of strength, and sometimes turn quickly as the teqnique, which is always a serious match. You can’t help but cheer enthusiastically as you watch these powerful matches. Please come and enjoy the excitement that can only be experienced live.