Osaka Expo to host two sumo events with matches and exhibitions in August
The national sport of Japan, sumo is more than just a battle of physical strength; it's also a competition of mind, technique and discipline. Moreover, the sport is filled with rites and rituals that are deeply symbolic. And for two special days in early August, you'll get to experience all that at the Expo.
The Expo Grand Sumo Tournament
Sunday August 3, 9am-3pm, at Expo Exhibition Center Wasse
The official Grand Sumo Tournament is making an exclusive stop at the Expo to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Japan Sumo Association. This majestic spectacle will bring together 200 sumo wrestlers from the association, including the highest ranked Yokozuna athletes.
For this one-day special, you get to witness not only authentic sumo matches but also events not typically seen at a regular tournament. There will be sumo chants, taiko drum performances, public sumo practices with children, sumo technique demonstrations as well as the sacred ring-entering ceremony.
The highlight, however, will be the sumo matches: the third division (Makushita) and below grapples at noon, and the top division (Makunouchi) at 2pm.
Note that you'll need more than an Expo admission ticket to attend the Expo Grand Sumo Tournament. Numbered tickets will be handed out on the day at 9am from a special reception counter near the Expo Exhibition Center Wasse entrance. There are three slots – 9.15am-11.30am, 12noon-1.15pm, 1.45pm-3pm – each capped at 720 spectators.
For more information, check the event website.
Sumo Expo 2025
Monday August 4, 9am-7.30pm, at Expo Exhibition Center Wasse
While Sunday revolves around the tournament, the Sumo Expo 2025 on Monday is all about celebrating sumo culture. This time, you can expect to see not just local but also overseas wrestlers.
Aside from international and women's sumo matches, you'll be able to explore exhibitions and partake in experiences hosted by the many local sumo associations across Japan. Moreover, if you're curious about how sumo wrestlers build up their enormous frame, check out the sumo food area for a mouthwatering look at chanko stew, sumo wrestler bento and more body-building dishes.
Of course, make sure you pop by the sumo experience area to get a hands-on lesson on how to be a wrestler, from learning the special rites on how to enter the ring respectfully to fighting an opponent.
For this event, there's no need for reservations or numbered tickets (except your regular Expo admission). However, entry may be limited for crowd control purposes.
For more information, check the event website.
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