Tokyo Sumo Tournament 2025 | Feature

March 30, 2026

Tokyo Sumo Tournament 2026: The Complete Guide

Sumo returns to Tokyo from May 10–26, 2026, with newly promoted yokozuna Hoshoryu headlining the tournament

A New Era for the Tokyo Sumo Tournament 2026

Sumo returns to Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan from May 10–24, 2026, for one of the most hotly anticipated tournaments in recent memory. With two new yokozuna on the dohyo and a Ukrainian-born ozeki on a historic winning streak, the sport is in the middle of a fascinating generational shift—and there has never been a better time to see it live.

Read our guide to getting official tickets for the Grand Sumo Tournament 2026

Understanding Sumo: Rules and Rituals

Sumo matches are deceptively simple: the first wrestler to touch the ground with any body part other than the soles of their feet, or step outside the ring, loses. Despite the simplicity, bouts are intense, often lasting only seconds.

Each match is built around a foundation of raw strength, strategy and centuries-old ritual—including dramatic salt tosses and shiko foot-stomping ceremonies performed to purify the ring and ward off evil spirits.

Wrestlers enter in ceremonial kesho-mawashi aprons, and the atmosphere in the arena builds with each passing bout.

Read our essential sumo wrestling vocabulary guide.

The Significance of the Yokozuna Rank

Achieving the rank of yokozuna is the highest honor in sumo. It typically requires two consecutive tournament wins and is as much a test of character and dignity as it is of athletic performance.

The promotion process is overseen by the Yokozuna Deliberation Council, and the title carries an extraordinary expectation: a yokozuna must uphold tradition and retire voluntarily if their performance falters.

Wrestlers to Watch in 2026

Onosato — 75th Yokozuna

Onosato is the sport’s newest yokozuna, promoted in May 2025 at just 24 years old — one of the fastest rises through the ranks in modern sumo history. A powerful yotsu (belt-grappling) wrestler known for his yorikiri force-outs, he has already won multiple top-division tournaments and brought a surge of new fans to the sport. Heading into May, he is the name everyone will be watching.

Hoshoryu — 74th Yokozuna

Promoted to yokozuna in early 2025 after winning the New Year tournament, Hoshoryu brings an athletic, dynamic style to the top rank. His promotion marked a new chapter in professional sumo, signaling the start of a post-Terunofuji era at the sport’s summit. His bouts against Onosato are among the most anticipated matchups of any tournament.

Aonishiki — Ozeki

Perhaps the most compelling story in sumo right now. Aonishiki Arata, whose real name is Danilo Yavhushyshyn, won the Emperor’s Cup in November 2025, becoming the first Ukrainian to claim the title, and was subsequently promoted to ozeki—the fastest anyone has earned that rank since the current system was established in 1958.

He then won back-to-back championships in January 2026, becoming the first newly promoted ozeki to win a tournament since 2006. With ambitions to become the first European yokozuna, his story has captivated fans worldwide and brought remarkable international attention to the sport.

Kotozakura II — Ozeki

Grandson of the legendary 53rd yokozuna Kotozakura, this wrestler claimed the yusho (championship) at the November 2024 basho and has been a consistent force in the top division since. His disciplined, traditional style makes him a fan favorite among purists and a genuine title contender heading into May.

Experiencing Sumo Beyond the Matches

A day at Ryogoku Kokugikan is a deep dive into Japanese culture. From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere is steeped in tradition—the rhythmic clapping of the gyoji referee, the scent of binzuke hair oil, and the sight of wrestlers in yukata entering the arena. Between bouts, visit the Sumo Museum located within the venue to view historic memorabilia, from championship belts to ukiyo-e prints of famous bouts.

You can also sample a bowl of chanko nabe for just ¥300 in the basement dining area between 12 pm and 2 pm, or shop for souvenirs ranging from wrestler-themed rice crackers to champion handprint calligraphy.

Sumo Dining in Ryogoku

Ryogoku is lined with sumo-themed restaurants, many run by retired wrestlers:

Chanko Kirishima: Managed by former ozeki Kirishima Kazuhiro, the restaurant is popular on tournament days. It’s located just down the road from Ryogoku Station.
Chanko Kawasaki: A true institution with more than 80 years of history, this is among the most authentic places in Tokyo to enjoy sumo cuisine.

Outside, bronze statues and handprints of sumo legends line the street leading to the venue, culminating at the nearby Eko-in Temple, home to the historic Sumo Stone of Strength erected in 1936.

Planning Your Visit

Dates: May 10–24, 2026
Venue: Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo
Tickets: Available from April 4, 2026, via Ticket Oosumo
Hours: Gates open at 8 am; top division matches begin around 3:30 pm

For more information, visit the Japan Sumo Association.

If tickets on the official website are sold out or you’re looking to enhance your experience, Klook offers guided tours with added perks. Booking through Klook includes your ticket, a smooth entry process and an interpreter who will guide you through the game.

Already missed the tournament? No problem! Check out a sumo practice experience: