Latest news with #JapanSumoAssociation
Time Out
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Osaka Expo to host two sumo events with matches and exhibitions in August
Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan is the place to explore the world as well as the latest advancements in science and technology. It's also a fantastic opportunity to experience Japanese culture, as the Expo hosts regular Japan-specific events ranging from a monthly fireworks showcase to an upcoming sumo special. The national sport of Japan, sumo is more than just a battle of physical strength; it's also a competition of mind, technique and discipline. Moreover, the sport is filled with rites and rituals that are deeply symbolic. And for two special days in early August, you'll get to experience all that at the Expo. The Expo Grand Sumo Tournament Sunday August 3, 9am-3pm, at Expo Exhibition Center Wasse The official Grand Sumo Tournament is making an exclusive stop at the Expo to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Japan Sumo Association. This majestic spectacle will bring together 200 sumo wrestlers from the association, including the highest ranked Yokozuna athletes. For this one-day special, you get to witness not only authentic sumo matches but also events not typically seen at a regular tournament. There will be sumo chants, taiko drum performances, public sumo practices with children, sumo technique demonstrations as well as the sacred ring-entering ceremony. The highlight, however, will be the sumo matches: the third division (Makushita) and below grapples at noon, and the top division (Makunouchi) at 2pm. Note that you'll need more than an Expo admission ticket to attend the Expo Grand Sumo Tournament. Numbered tickets will be handed out on the day at 9am from a special reception counter near the Expo Exhibition Center Wasse entrance. There are three slots – 9.15am-11.30am, 12noon-1.15pm, 1.45pm-3pm – each capped at 720 spectators. For more information, check the event website. Sumo Expo 2025 Monday August 4, 9am-7.30pm, at Expo Exhibition Center Wasse While Sunday revolves around the tournament, the Sumo Expo 2025 on Monday is all about celebrating sumo culture. This time, you can expect to see not just local but also overseas wrestlers. Aside from international and women's sumo matches, you'll be able to explore exhibitions and partake in experiences hosted by the many local sumo associations across Japan. Moreover, if you're curious about how sumo wrestlers build up their enormous frame, check out the sumo food area for a mouthwatering look at chanko stew, sumo wrestler bento and more body-building dishes. Of course, make sure you pop by the sumo experience area to get a hands-on lesson on how to be a wrestler, from learning the special rites on how to enter the ring respectfully to fighting an opponent. For this event, there's no need for reservations or numbered tickets (except your regular Expo admission). However, entry may be limited for crowd control purposes. For more information, check the event website.
Yomiuri Shimbun
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Sumo Scene / Nagoya Tourney Strides into Future in Striking New Venue
The venues for grand sumo tournaments rarely change. For four decades since opening in 1985, Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in Tokyo, which also serves as the Japan Sumo Association's headquarters, has been the familiar home for the capital's three annual tournaments. But right now as July temperatures soar outside, the heated matches of the Nagoya tournament are being seen daily inside a new venue for the first time in 60 years. The new facility is called 'IG Arena.' IG is the name of an England-based securities company that paid for the naming rights. The Aichi prefectural government and other entities built the arena as a successor to Aichi Prefectural Gym, the venerable arena located in the vicinity of Nagoya Castle that had long hosted the city's annual tournament. Its sheer size makes IG Arena a sight to behold. It has a total floor area of 63,000 square meters, a ceiling 30 meters high and a maximum seating capacity of 17,000 for all manner of events. However, to ensure optimal viewing for sumo spectators, the capacity was limited during the tournament to about 7,800 for the three types of seating: ringside, box and chair. Given that the Nagoya tournament is also the inaugural event of the new arena, many fans are eagerly awaiting to see which wrestler will be the first to lift the Emperor's Cup there. The first tournament held at the current Ryogoku Kokugikan in 1985 was won by legendary yokozuna Chiyonofuji, who was in his prime at the time. Such milestone events seemed to make Chiyonofuji even stronger, as he also came away with the title at the first Kyu-shu tournament held at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center when it opened in 1981. Tochinishiki, an ozeki at the time who later became a yokozuna, won the title when the Osaka Prefectural Gym hosted its first Spring tourney in 1953. In 1965, the first tourney held at Aichi Prefectural Gym was won by the great yokozuna Taiho, who dominated sumo in the Showa era (1926-1989). The winners of these maiden tournaments form an illustrious lineup indeed. The Nagoya tournament will likely continue at the new arena for years to come. The moment when a new name is carved into sumo history there will be one to remember. — Kamimura is a sumo expert.
The Mainichi
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
The Mainichi News Quiz Answer for July 22
What is the main reason Israeli sumo trainee Yarden Yatkovski cannot become a professional sumo wrestler in Japan? A) He has not won any sumo matches in Japan. B) He is unable to speak Japanese fluently. C) He is over the age limit set by the Japan Sumo Association for new recruits. D) He has not found a stable willing to accept foreign wrestlers. Correct Answer: C) He is over the age limit set by the Japan Sumo Association for new recruits. Despite his skill and dedication, Yarden Yatkovski cannot become a professional sumo wrestler in Japan because he is over the age limit for new recruits set by the Japan Sumo Association. While special exemptions exist for those with outstanding athletic achievements, Yatkovski's background does not meet the criteria. His age overrun was due to mandatory military service in Israel and then COVID-19 travel restrictions.
The Mainichi
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
The Mainichi News Quiz: Why can't that Israeli guy become a pro sumo wrestler?
How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for July 22 to test your news knowledge. Ready? What is the main reason Israeli sumo trainee Yarden Yatkovski cannot become a professional sumo wrestler in Japan? A) He has not won any sumo matches in Japan. B) He is unable to speak Japanese fluently. C) He is over the age limit set by the Japan Sumo Association for new recruits. D) He has not found a stable willing to accept foreign wrestlers.
Kyodo News
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Kyodo News
Sumo: Surprise leader Ichiyamamoto 1st to record 8 wins at IG Arena
NAGOYA - Unheralded No. 8 maegashira Ichiyamamoto found himself in an unfamiliar position Monday as outright leader of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament after becoming the first wrestler to seal a winning record at the new IG Arena. The 31-year-old from Hokkaido improved to 8-1 with a victory over sixth-ranked maegashira Gonoyama before his three overnight co-leaders, including sekiwake Kirishima, incurred losses on Day 9. While he regularly opens with a hand thrust, Ichiyamamoto attacked head-first against fellow Chuo University alumnus Gonoyama. "I didn't want to lose," Ichiyamamoto said. "I thought he'd get the upper hand if I didn't hit him firmly." Ichiyamamoto served as an attendant in the grand champion's ring-entry ceremony for the first time on Day 9, standing in for komusubi Takayasu ahead of his match with yokozuna Onosato. The maegashira said he was relieved that the newly promoted Onosato went on to win the day's ultimate bout. "If I was the attendant and the yokozuna lost, it would seem like I brought him bad luck," Ichiyamamoto said. The pusher-thruster from the Hanaregoma stable has not led at this stage of a 15-day tournament since the November 2023 Kyushu meet, when he went on to win 11 bouts and earn a Fighting Spirit Prize. The last wrestler from Hokkaido to lift the Emperor's Cup was yokozuna Hokutoumi, now Japan Sumo Association chief Hakkaku, at the 1991 Spring meet. "Ichiyamamoto has a great opportunity," Hakkaku said. "I hope he can stay in the running for the championship for as long as possible." Ichiyamamato, whose career high ranking is maegashira No. 4, said he simply hoped to move up in the rankings before heading back to his home prefecture next month during sumo's summer tour. "I want to go home with good results," he said. "I hope I can move up at least one rank."
