Japanese professional sumo is managed by the Japan Sumo Association, and each sumo wrestler (rikishi) belongs to a registered sumo stable. (sumo-beya). There are about 50 sumo stables where rikishi live and train. Some of Japanese sumo stables allow visitors to watch sumo practices. Practices usually take place in the morning.
Tips for Visiting Sumo Practices in Japan
There are six divisions in professional sumo: makuuchi, juuryo, makushita, sandanme, jonidan, and jonokuchi. Makuuchi is the highest division, and yokozuna (grand champion) is the highest rank in sumo. Only wrestlers promoted in makuuchi and juuryou are called sekitori and considered as real professional sumo wrestlers.
Six Grand Sumo (oozumou) tournaments (basho) are held each year in Japan: the January tournament (hatsu-basho) at Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan, the March tournament (haru-basho) at Osaka Municipal Gymnasium, the May tournament (natsu-basho) at Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan, the July tournament (Nagoya-basho) at Nagoya Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, the September tournament (aki-basho) at Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan, and the November tournament (Kyushu-basho) at Fukuoka Kokusai Center. Each tournament lasts for fifteen days. The sumo wrestler with the best record of wins over losses is awarded the Emperor's Cup on the final day. Also, sumo tours are planned in different cities in Japan and around the world. Japan Grand Sumo Tournament Schedule
It's recommendable to buy tickets in advance if you want to get good seats. Tickets are sold about one month beforehand. Even if you can't get tickets in advance, tickets are usually available at the ticket counter in the gymnasiums on the day you go. The special boxed area near the sumo ring is called masu-seki. The price ranges from 36,800 yen to 45,200 yen per box (for 4 guests) in Tokyo Kokugikan. In masu-seki, you need to sit on cushions in Japanese-style. An ordinary reserved seat costs from 3,600 yen to 8,200 yen. (See Sumo Ticket Information)
Sumo wrestlers in the trainee divisions start their matches around 8:30 a.m. Wrestlers in Juryo start matches around 3 p.m. Makuuchi wrestlers enter the sumo ring around 3:55 p.m., and the Yokozuna Dohyo-iri (ring entering ceremony) is held. Makuuchi matches start after the ceremony. Sumo wrestlers in the higher ranks, such as Ozeki and Yokozuna fight after 5 p.m. It is the best time to watch sumo if you want to see famous sumo wrestlers. Grand Sumo tournaments are televized on NHK in Japan.
