So I’ve decided to share some photos and a story about on my last trip.
Sometime mid 2019 i went on a trip to Japan with my brother and had a chance to see the second last day of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya. To get tickets my brother and I took a chance the day of. Supposedly 100 tickets are reserved on the day for the public to purchase in the early morning. After an emotional early morning we got two. *phew*
We didn’t know what to expect but we found out the tournament goes on the whole day. In the morning and mid-afternoon the lower divisions play out. The stadium is probably a quarter full at this point in the day. From around 3 onwards the top division called “Makuuchi” starts their opening ceremony. This is the division everyone waits for. The gymnasium is packed. Don’t worry if you don’t know who is who. There’s people who’ll give you a big sheet of paper with the draws and schedule.
The rules are simple: first to exit the ring of rope or touch the ground with any part of the body besides the soles of their feet. It’s win or lose.
Seeing them all in the ring or “dohyo” is an amazing sight. Sumo is as much about the performance as it is about winning. You’ll notice the traditions and rituals still practiced in the ring. It all feeds into the uniqueness of sumo.
Each match is exhilarating and you’ll understanding these large men are no joke. If you stayed for the lower division you’ll really notice the skill disparity to the top division. Despite their size, they’re agile and fast. The matches range from a few seconds to a minute.
The unwillingness to never falter is to me the core of sumo wrestling. The initial tachiai, barrage of palm thrusts, mawashi holds and shoulder throws: every action is to ascertain a win. Seeing a 150kg guy shoulder throw another guy just seems unbelievable.
The last match Kotoshōgiku v Hakuho. A yokozuna (the highest rank) against an ex-ozeki (the second highest rank). A yokozuna is well respected and are sports stars in their own right.
This was a match up where the winner was already decided. Hakuho is not just good, he is the best (EVER). He holds the record of 42 wins, most wins in a calendar year, and the second longest win streak with 63 wins. Get pumped guys! it’s not too often you see an all-time great.
Kotoshōgiku on the other hand is the underdog. And has had been plagued with some injuries. Apparently after reading about them Kotoshōgiku was 6 wins over Hakudo in 63 bouts.
To be in the midst of the crowd as this fight started showed the true spirit of japan. Some ceremonial salt is throw about and the anticipation swells as the crowd waits for it to start. The people are into it, so I’m into it.
The referee signals the match. It all happens so fast. Kotoshōgiku wins the tachiai almost instantly securing an inside grip. Hakuho tries counter moves after counter moves. But Kotoshōgiku fends it out and drives Hakuho to the edge. Hakuho loses footing and balance, his feet can’t stay in the ring. Hakuko loses in the span of 5 seconds.
What ensued was an uproar, an unforgettable scene of purple cushions being thrown flying and spinning to the ring. An upset no one saw coming.
Hakuho would go on the next day to end up in the final bout against fellow yokozuna Kakuryu.
Sumo is definitely a sport to see in person if possible. try to get to one if you can. There’s six tournaments a year throughout Japan. If you ever want to get into sumo I’d recommend watching the anime Hinomaruzumou. A 24 episode series following a high school sumo club’s journey to the top.
