The May Basho
The greatest Sumo wrestlers in Japan, and therefore the world, meet at Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall for The May Basho, one of the year's six Grand Tournaments. Crowds cheer as meaty men fight for victory using throws, trips and tricks.
Please note: due to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan on 11 March, it is not known which local events will take place in 2011.
Sumo is Japan's most popular sport, steeped in legend, history and ceremony. To the outsider it can seem like a battle of strength and power, but it should be remembered that this is a sport with more than 70 different manoeuvres and forms. Only once mastered will the wrestler stand a chance of becoming a Yokuzuna (grand champion).
The men are giants and they attempt to eject each other from the four-and-a-half metre circle or throw each other to the hard clay floor. The backdrop to the action provides constant reminders of the history and reverence of the occasion, from the Gyoji's (referee's) fan - a sign of authority - to the symbolic salt scattering before each contest.
The large arena provides many seating options, from a simple cushion in the isu-seki (balcony) to a box-seki (like a corporate box) in the Kokugikan at the back. The best seats in the house are those closest to the dohyo (the ring).
Related Information
Website: Nihon Sumo Kyokai Website
| Contact Details | |
|---|---|
| Name: | The Nihon Sumo Kyokai Ticket Sales Office |
| Phone: | +81 (0) 3 3622 1100 (Japanese speaking) |
| Venue Information: | Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall |
| Full Name: | |
| Address: | 1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida-ku 130-0015 |
| Directions: | By JR railway to Ryogoku station |
| Contact Details: | Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall |
| Phone: | +81 (0) 3 3623 5111 (Japanese speaking) |
| Contact Details | |
|---|---|
| Name: | The Nihon Sumo Kyokai Ticket Sales Office |
| Phone: | +81 (0) 3 3622 1100 (Japanese speaking) |
| Name: | Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau |
| Location: | Tokyo |
| Address: | Kasuga Business Center Bldg. 10F, 1-15-15 Nishikata, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0024, Japan |
| Email: | tcvbinfo@tcvb.or.jp |
| Phone: | +81 (0) 3 5840 8891 |
| Name: | Japan Tourist Office |
| Location: | Japan |
| Address: | 10 Floor, Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Building, 2-10-1, Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006 |
| Email: | visitjapan@jntonyc.org |
| Phone: | +81 (0) 3 3201 3331; UK +44 (0) 20 7398 5670 |
