Experience the Unique World of Sumo in Tokyo!

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Experience the Unique World of Sumo in Tokyo!

If you're planning a trip to Tokyo and are curious about the fascinating sport of Sumo, I have an incredibly special experience to share with you. This isn't just about watching training sessions or attending major tournaments; you'll actually step onto the ring and test your skills against professional rikishi (Sumo wrestlers).

Exploring the 'Sacred Ground'

This tour takes place at an old Sumo training stable in Kawasaki. Starting at 9:30 AM, visitors meet their guide at Shin-Kawasaki Station and are escorted to the venue. As soon as you walk in, the excitement builds as you catch sight of the Sumo ring, even though it’s no longer operational.

Your guide will share interesting tidbits about Kaisei Ichiro, a famous Japanese-Brazilian wrestler. In one corner of the room, you’ll find photos and memorabilia, including his blue kimono and kesho-mawashi, the ornate apron that wrestlers traditionally wear during ceremonies. The price of such aprons can soar to a million dollars, thanks to their intricate craftsmanship.

Chanko Nabe - The Wrestlers' Dish

In the morning, Sumo wrestlers train on an empty stomach, followed by a hearty lunch of chanko nabe, a traditional hot pot. The guide explains that wrestlers often eat quickly and as much as they can before taking a nap, all to help them gain weight.

Learning About Sumo History

Before stepping into the ring, we learned about the history and fundamentals of Sumo. Our guide, Marie, a German who has made Tokyo her home due to her passion for the sport, delivered a captivating presentation. She explained that Sumo is not merely about two people pushing each other out of the ring; it embodies profound spiritual values and a rich history.

Facing the Rikishi

When the main doors swung open, Marie could hardly contain her excitement as she awaited the arrival of the rikishi. Two retired Sumo wrestlers participated in this tour, starting with a cleaning ritual of the dohyo (ring), which not only prepares the space but also honors this sacred arena. Shiko, a common movement practiced by rikishi, serves not only to build strength but also to ward off evil spirits and purify the area.

The rikishi also demonstrated some techniques, such as how to move your feet without lifting them too high to maintain balance. They even showcased a few banned moves, like kneeing into the groin or eye-gouging, which gave me a deeper understanding of the sport's harsh realities.

Become a Sumo Wrestler for a Moment

After going through the theory, I and my fellow participants got to step into the dohyo for a hands-on experience. Although it was just for fun, the adrenaline was palpable, and it was an unforgettable way to immerse myself in such a deep aspect of Japanese culture.

Finally, we shared a lunch of chanko nabe prepared by the rikishi themselves. This tour not only enriched our knowledge but also left us with cherished memories!

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