Sumo Wrestling

On September 22, I went to Tokyo to see sumo wrestling.  Sumo tournaments are held six times a year, fifteen days each. In January, May and September they are held in Tokyo. The other three are held in March in Nagoya, in July in Nagoya and in November in Fukuoka. The above picture is Sumo Gymnasium in Ruogoku, Tokyo. 

A sumo wrestler Okinoumi arrived at the gym for his bout today.

Wrestlers show up altogether in two groups; one from the east, the other from the west. Above wrestlers appeared from the east.

These wrestlers appeared from the west.

The grand champion Hakuho showed up and is about to step on the ring flanked by two subordinates.

The left wrestler(Takanoyama) is from the Czech Republic and the right one(Kyokutenho) is from Mongolia. Thus sumo wrestling has become international.

Today's final bout was between Hakuho(left) and Kisenosato(right). Hakuho lost.

After the final bout a bow dance was performed to celebrate the winner.

Written and posted by Mitsutoshi Masunari.