Sumo in Japan

Introduction

Sumo, Japan's ancient sport of wrestling, has roots stretching back over a thousand years and is steeped in Shinto religious traditions. Initially developed as a ritual to entertain the gods, sumo has evolved into a professional sport that captivates audiences across Japan and around the world. Each year, sumo tournaments draw thousands of spectators eager to witness the excitement and tradition of Japan’s national sport. Here’s an overview of the characteristics of sumo, where and when the tournaments take place, and the prices involved in experiencing a sumo match live.

Sumo: Japan’s Ancient Sport

Sumo wrestling is a full-contact sport in which two wrestlers, known as rikishi, compete to force each other out of a circular ring or make the opponent touch the ground with any body part other than the soles of their feet. Wrestlers compete in a tightly choreographed and highly ritualized bout, where each movement and action follows specific cultural and ceremonial guidelines.

Sumo wrestlers live a highly disciplined life, following strict diets, training regimens, and social hierarchies. They reside in communal training stables (heya), where their lifestyle is dedicated to sumo’s rigorous demands and rules. Wrestlers are divided into ranks, with the highest being yokozuna, or grand champion. Only a few wrestlers reach this rank, which requires both superior skill and personal conduct. Lower-ranked wrestlers often endure long years of training to advance, reflecting sumo’s principles of perseverance and respect.

Sumo matches, though brief (often lasting only a few seconds), are preceded by elaborate rituals that honor Shinto deities. These rituals include the dohyō-iri (ring-entering ceremony) and the purification of the ring with salt, reflecting sumo’s spiritual origins.

Sumo Tournaments: Locations

Each year, Japan hosts six major sumo tournaments, known as honbasho, which occur bi-monthly in cities across the country. These tournaments each last for 15 days, and wrestlers compete once a day. Here is the schedule and locations for the six annual tournaments:

🟡 January Tournament (Hatsu Basho) – Tokyo:
This is the New Year’s Tournament held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo’s main sumo arena.
🟡 March Tournament (Haru Basho) – Osaka:
The Spring Tournament takes place at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.
🟡 May Tournament (Natsu Basho) – Tokyo:
The Summer Tournament returns to the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.
🟡 July Tournament (Nagoya Basho) – Nagoya:
The tournament takes place at the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium in Nagoya.
🟡 September Tournament (Aki Basho) – Tokyo:
The Autumn Tournament is also held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
🟡 November Tournament (Kyushu Basho) – Fukuoka:
This is the year’s final tournament, held at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

The Tokyo tournaments are particularly popular among international tourists because of Tokyo’s accessibility and the historic significance of Ryogoku, considered the heart of sumo culture. Each tournament offers a chance to experience the power and excitement of live sumo, with fans gathering from around the country to cheer on their favorite wrestlers.

Sumo Tournaments: Pricing

Sumo tournaments offer a variety of seating options, catering to all types of spectators. Prices vary significantly depending on the seating type, location within the arena, and the tournament’s popularity. Here’s a breakdown of the typical seating arrangements and costs:

1. Ringside Seats (Tamari-seki):
→ These are the closest seats to the sumo ring, offering an intense and immersive experience. Since wrestlers often crash out of the ring during matches, these seats are exciting but come with a small risk factor. Because of their proximity to the action, these seats are often the most expensive and require that spectators follow strict etiquette.
→ Price Range: Typically ¥15,000 to ¥20,000 ($100-$140 USD) per seat.

2. Box Seats (Masu-seki):
→ Box seats are small, carpeted sections that can accommodate four people, making them ideal for groups. Spectators sit on cushions in a traditional style, creating an authentic viewing experience. Prices vary based on the box’s distance from the ring, with closer boxes costing more.
→ Price Range: ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 ($70-$140 USD) per person, depending on proximity to the ring.

3. Arena Seats (Isu-seki):
→ Arena seats are individual, Western-style seats located further back in the stadium, offering a comfortable and affordable viewing option. The arena seats are divided into categories (A, B, and C) based on their distance from the ring.
→ Price Range: ¥3,800 to ¥8,000 ($30-$60 USD), with A seats being closest to the ring.

4. General Admission (Jiyuseki):
→ General admission seats are the least expensive option and are often located on the upper levels of the arena. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and usually, only a limited number are available each day.
→ Price Range: Approximately ¥2,000 to ¥3,000 ($15-$25 USD).