"Sumo" Japan Travelogue by sjvessey

Japan Travel Guide: 22,848 reviews and 48,916 photos

It's the middle of the final week of the May sumo tournament, held in Tokyo. Despite the fact that it's a weekday, the ground floor A seats are at least half full, although the upper floor B seats are mostly empty.

With much stomping of feet and slapping of arms and legs, two sumo wrestlers take the stage and limber up for their fight.

Two lower-ranked fighters face off, around 2.30pm. The higher your status, the later in the day you fight.

Around 4pm the arena's A seating is filled to capacity...

As the top-ranked fighters make their appearance. Parading onto the dohyo, they face the crowd...

...then turn away as the pre-fight ceremonies are concluded.

Weighing in at 219 kilos (484 lbs), Yokozuna Musashimaru, the first non-Japanese to reach Yokozuna rank, faces up to his opponent in the penultimate fight of the day. The bout is over in seconds as Musashimaru simply walks his massive bulk forwards and pushes his rival from the dohyo with ease to go 9 for 2 overall.

At the ringside, on the left, fellow Yokozuna Takanohana awaits his turn, going 11 for 0 after a slightly more demanding victory.

Page Updated Jun 12, 2004
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Comments (34)

b1bob Jun 18, 2005 at 9:22 AM Report Abuse

Nice job so far. Bring on the Fujiyama. It doesn't scare me!
travel-bugg May 18, 2005 at 9:08 AM Report Abuse

Very cool picture of Mr. Fuji (just kidding)! Hope I get there someday; it's on my list of places to visit. Cheers, Charly :)
tamirros Jun 10, 2002 at 2:12 PM Report Abuse

great page, wonderful photos!
TRimer May 21, 2002 at 7:00 AM Report Abuse

Great photos. Sounds like you had a great visit.
miksu Apr 17, 2002 at 2:24 PM Report Abuse

Fabulous page and photos...great hiking travelogue......
seagoingJLW Oct 29, 2001 at 10:45 AM Report Abuse

Marvelous pictures...worth waiting for.
TracyG Oct 28, 2001 at 2:38 PM Report Abuse

Great travelogues, I must visit some day...
zumodemango Oct 21, 2001 at 7:15 AM Report Abuse

fabulous pictures in hiking travelogue!
Prosperity Oct 13, 2001 at 8:07 AM Report Abuse

These pics are really worth waiting for the download!
unigirl Oct 1, 2001 at 3:28 PM Report Abuse

great pictures