Sumo Wrestling, Tokyo

If you are in Tokyo in Jan, Mar, May or Jul, you can take in the live sumo action.

If not, you can visit the arena and museum. You will see some sumo walking around, and if you ask around, you can possibly visit the training stables, though we didn't manage to do this.

Go to Ryogoku station and the arena and museum are just next to it.

Sumo is difficult for most Westerners to understand. But once you get the hang of it, and learn the right terms, it can be addictive. Even as I am trapped here in Ohio, I still find time to look up what's going on at the various Bashos in the Sumo World.

Sumo is fast! But it is also slow, formal and all about tradition. There are traditions of throwing salt into the ring, traditional costumes, and like they do in Detroit you can throw things in the ring when the ref makes a bad call. (Normally red seat cushions).

The rules are simple. Two men enter one man leaves. If a wrestler touches the ring with anything other than the soles of his feet, or steps out of the ring, they are out. Most matches are over in seconds. Good matches with tough competitors can go for minutes, but those are very rare.

There are six major tournaments (Bashos) each year. And they are held all over Japan. Be sure to check the Kokugikan (Budokahn) schedule to see when the Basho is in Tokyo. It is typically in May, and tickets go quick!

You will want to check out Asashoryu. He is Mongolian and currently the only yokozuna. A yokozuna is as high as you can go in the Sumo world, and once you win this title, it can never be taken away. They also don't last long as it takes a while to get there, and when they start losing they are expected to retire.

For more sumo fun and something completely different, but related to sumo, check out my sumo-village page.

Equipment: A red seat cusion to throw at the ref when he makes a bad call!

Everything you need is already there, just show up and enjoy!

Famous Chubby Angels in Tokyo, Sumo Wrestler Tochinonada, myself and Kasuka Nishiki at a Sumo Sensyu Party at Tokyo.

Equipment: To watch Sumo Wrestling, it depend on the seasons and locations, basically Sumo Wrestling Hall in Ryogoku is the best place. Please make sure that the tournament is on going then you can watch, otherwise the wrestling hall will be closed

this museum is a must for all sumo fans, just make sure that there isnt a tournament on when you visit as you wont see any of the wrestlers wandering around!!

Equipment: walking shoes

I wa slucky to be invited to the Sumo Party in Tokyo.

My responsblity here is mainly help up some idea to take some photos for a TV show magazine.