Going to a Japanese sumo wrestling basho is definitely a one of a kind event. What's a basho? Basho is the special name given to each series of wrestling. If we're talking about football or soccer, we think of each season lasting for around 9 - 10 months with games every week. The world of sumo is different and you need to get your timing right if you want to catch one of these events during your stay.
When Does It Happen?
There are 6 Japanese sumo wrestling bashos per year in Japan, but only 3 of these take place in Tokyo. Each basho lasts for 2 weeks with fights taking place everyday during that 2 weeks. You can see what I mean about getting your timing right! The other locations, each hosting 1 basho per year, are Aichi in the north, Osaka in the middle of the country, and Fukuoka to the south.
Why Bother With Japanese Sumo Wrestling?
I promise you'll never forget the first time you go to see the basho in Tokyo. The whole day is a spectacle from the minute you get there to the minute you leave. Imagine getting to the station - most travel in Tokyo is made by train but that's another article - and seeing some extremely large guys, all kitted out in traditional kimono style clothing, strolling down the street apparently without a care in the world. The phrase 'bull in a china shop' springs to mind as you carefully navigate your way around them! Just kidding.... sort of.
From the flags flying outside the stadium, to the spectators outside tenaciously hanging onto their coveted spots to cheer their hero when he arrives, to the atmosphere inside the arena, this is definitely not your standard sporting event.
What Will You See At A Sumo Event?
Japanese sumo wrestling has some extremely unique and historical traditions that are all part of a sumo day out. Here's a list of some of the key elements:
Salt - You'll certainly see plenty of this being thrown around inside the ring. Why? This is to cleanse the ring and rid the area of any bad spirits that might upset the impending battle. The Stomp - A great exercise to strengthen your lower back and balance, a critical requirement in Japanese sumo wrestling. Watch the Yokozuna ceremony to see the perfect stomp in action! Ceremonial Aprons - It looks rather strange to see these big guys wearing aprons as they enter the ring, but before the final bouts at the end of the day this is exactly what happens.
Top Sumo Tips
When you're planning your trip to the basho, if you can, book your tickets in advance. This way you can be sure of the type of seat you will be given. The most expensive seats are near the ring itself but I would strongly recommend not buying these. The reason is simple. The area in front of the ring does not have any fixed seats for you to sit on! Instead, you are given an area of flooring and need to kneel, sit crossed legged, or adopt the formal 'seiza' Japanese style. Not the most comfortable position if you're not used to it.
Finally, to really get into the spirit of things, make sure you join in the shouts of 'Washoi!' for your chosen sumo wrestler as they enter the ring. When in Rome and all that.
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