My first experiences in martial arts began at a young age, piquing my interest in the different combat sports from around the world. I’ve always believed that martial arts and combat sports, such as Sumo in Japan, Brazilian Jiujitsu in Brazil, or Muay Thai in Thailand, reveal a lot about the local culture of each sport and their impact on the culture. My first attempt at a Sumo tournament in Osaka was in 2023, and it was a much deeper experience than just two large men shoving each other. Sumo is not just a sport—it’s a living tradition that blends Shinto beliefs, Japanese cultural values, and intense physical combat. While it has modernized in some ways, its essence remains deeply tied to Japan’s spiritual and historical identity. Why is that? Let’s have a look at the 3 pillars of sumo wrestling!
Ukiyo-e painting of a sumo match – Photo Credit: AQ_taro_neo
1- Religion (Shinto Influence)
- Sumo originated as a Shinto ritual to entertain the gods (kami) and ensure a bountiful harvest.
- The ring (dohyō) is treated as a sacred space, purified with salt before matches—similar to how Shinto shrines are cleansed.
- Wrestlers perform a ritual stomp (shiko) to drive away evil spirits, a practice linked to ancient religious ceremonies.
- The yokozuna (grand champion) performs a ring-entering ceremony (dohyō-iri), resembling a Shinto blessing.
2 – Culture (Tradition & Discipline)
- Sumo embodies Japanese values like respect, discipline, and hierarchy.
- Wrestlers live in heya (sumo stables), following strict traditions that dictate their daily life, diet (chankonabe), and behavior.
- Matches are overseen by a gyoji (referee) in elaborate robes, resembling Shinto priests, highlighting the sport’s ritualistic nature.
- Even today, sumo maintains strict traditional rules, such as the prohibition of women in the ring due to its sacred status.
3 – Combat Sport (Physical Competition)
- At its core, sumo is a full-contact martial art, where size, technique, and strategy determine victory.
- Wrestlers train in throws, pushes, and grappling techniques, making sumo a raw yet refined form of combat.
- Despite its ritualistic elements, sumo remains highly competitive, with professional tournaments (honbasho) drawing massive audiences.
- Unlike many combat sports, sumo has no weight classes, making size and agility critical factors in matches.
Attending the event is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that connects you directly to Japanese traditions. Whilst visiting myself, I saw Geiko and people dressed in traditional attire in the audience. The atmosphere was electrifying, with spectators passionately cheering for their favorite wrestlers, especially the locals. This time, the Osaka crowd was particularly enthusiastic, showing strong support for Kansai-native wrestlers. I sat for hours, captivated by the incredible athletes as they grappled and threw each other around the ring.
It’s time to fight! – Photo Credit: Sebastian
Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport, with origins dating back over 1,500 years. As mentioned before, it began as a Shinto ritual to entertain the gods and ensure a good harvest. Today, it remains deeply rooted in tradition, featuring elaborate ceremonies, including salt purification rituals and strict training regimens at sumo stables (heya). Sumo is a cultural symbol of discipline, hierarchy, and respect—values that are fundamental to Japanese culture. By fusing traditions with contemporary sports and entertainment, it now captures the attention of people from around the world. Six major tournaments (basho, 場所) are staged annually, attracting sizable crowds and preserving sumo’s cultural relevance in Japan.
All participants together in the ring – Photo Credit: Sebastian
Sumo in Osaka
The Osaka Grand Sumo Tournament (Haru Basho) is one of the six major sumo tournaments (honbasho) held annually in Japan. It takes place every March at the Edion Arena Osaka, drawing in sumo enthusiasts from across the country.
Since Osaka was a significant economic center during the Edo period (1603–1868), sumo tournaments began to be held in the area. Although Edo (present-day Tokyo) and Kyoto were the main centers of sumo, Osaka also established its own sumo culture. The tournament officially joined the professional sumo circuit in 1953, joining other notable events in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.
Importance of the Osaka Tournament
- Regional Excitement – Unlike Tokyo, where sumo is held three times a year, Osaka hosts only one annual basho. This makes it a highly anticipated event for locals and fans in western Japan.
- Distinct Atmosphere – Osaka fans are known for being lively and vocal, creating a different energy compared to the more reserved audiences in Tokyo.
- Crucial for Wrestlers – As the second tournament of the year, the Osaka Basho often sets the stage for rankings and momentum leading into the rest of the sumo calendar.
- Economic & Cultural Impact – The event attracts tourists, boosts local businesses, and reinforces Sumo’s presence outside Tokyo, keeping the sport relevant nationwide.
Geiko San attending the event – Photo Credit: Sebastian
How A Sumo Tournament Works
A professional sumo tournament (or basho, 場所) lasts 15 days. The highest-ranked wrestlers (makuuchi and juryo) compete once per day for 15 days, ensuring they face a variety of opponents and avoiding repetition. Lower-ranked wrestlers (makushita, sandanme, jonidan, jonokuchi) only fight 7 times over the 15 days, each wrestler’s final record (e.g., 10 wins, 5 losses) determines their rank for the next tournament.
There Are Three Key Parts to Understanding the Brackets
Here are the three major points you should know to understand how the brackets work.
- The match schedule is set day by day by the sumo association, adjusting based on ongoing tournament results.
- Higher-ranked wrestlers (Yokozuna, Ozeki, Sekiwake, etc.) get tougher matchups.
- The final days feature the strongest contenders battling to decide the champion.
Waiting for the matches to begin at the Osaka Tournament – Photo Credit: Sebastian
Attending a Sumo Tournament
Attending a sumo tournament in Osaka is an unforgettable cultural experience that blends tradition, excitement and a deep appreciation for Japan’s national sport. From the moment you step into the arena, the atmosphere is electric—spectators cheer for their favorite rikishi, the echoes of ceremonial chants fill the air, and the intensity of each bout in the arena is ever-present. The event is not just about the matches; it’s a full immersion into sumo culture, from the elaborate pre-fight rituals to the presence of sumo stables.
You can purchase drinks, food, and even sumo-related souvenirs inside the stadium—great souvenirs to take home. The event ends at 6 p.m., so be prepared to arrive in time to avoid missing any of the action. The best fights will begin between 2 and 3 p.m. You will be fully immersed in Japan’s rich heritage. Making it to the event is a must-see experience for anyone exploring the country. It is truly an experience that I cannot suggest enough. If you’d like to learn more about what to do before attending a sumo tournament, check out our blog here!
Combatants performing ritual stomp before the match – Photo Credit: Sebastian
Our Must-See Tips For Sumo Wrestling Matches
Get Your Tickets Early
Sumo tournaments are popular, and good seats sell out fast. Purchase your tickets in advance through official websites like the Japan Sumo Association or authorized sellers. If you can’t get a reserved seat, limited same-day tickets are available but require arriving early.
Choose the Right Seat
Box Seats (Masu-seki): Closer to the ring, traditional Japanese seating (cushions on the floor). Great for an authentic experience.
Arena Seats: More affordable and come with regular chairs, offering a comfortable view from a distance.
Arrive Early to Explore
Doors open around 8 AM, but top matches happen between 3–6 PM. Arriving early lets you see lower-ranked bouts and enjoy the atmosphere.
Walk around the arena to check out sumo souvenirs, food stalls, and the sumo museum.
Try Sumo-Themed Food
Look for Chanko Nabe, the traditional hotpot sumo wrestlers eat. Some venues may sell it, or you can visit a local “chanko” nabe restaurant after the event.
Respect the Traditions
Sumo has deep cultural roots. Avoid loud cheering during ceremonies and respect the rituals before and after each match.
Don’t throw cushions (zabuton) in the air, even if a big upset happens (this used to be common but is now discouraged).
Watch for Wrestlers Entering and Leaving
Before the top-division matches, wrestlers perform an entrance ceremony (Dohyō-iri). Seeing them up close in their traditional attire is a highlight.
After matches, sumo wrestlers often walk outside the arena—perfect for photos or autographs (if they allow it).
Check for Special Events
Some tournaments feature exhibitions or fan activities. Check the schedule to see if there are unique opportunities like meet-and-greets or sumo practice sessions.
The Yokozuna presentation before the final brackets – Photo Credit: Sebastian
Sumo tournaments are popular and culturally important events, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they typically sell out quickly. But something like this shouldn’t stop you from attending for an experience of a lifetime. Whether you’re sitting in the box seats or the more affordable arena seats, be prepared to become enveloped by the traditional, exciting atmosphere born from not only the match but the pre-match rituals.
Don’t forget to check for special events, you don’t want to miss out on any exhibitions and fan activities, and who knows you might even get to try a bit of wrestling for yourself! There is so much on offer at a Sumo Wrestling Tournament even non-sports fans or those new to the world are sure to enjoy it. I love attending these events and hope to see many, many more in the future, the only thing that might make it better is if I see you there!
Featured Photo Credit: AQ_taro_neo
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