I remember sitting in bed in Ann Arbor, Michigan early this summer trying to get tickets to the Grand Sumo Tournament for late September. It was a lottery and I was losing. Between the fierce competition, the internet connection, rough translation, and my head popping/falling asleep, it did not end well. We settled on tickets through a tour operator, which got us good-enough seats and a better education.

Sumo is a serious sport with lots of rituals, sportsmanship, and passionate fans. Basically and very briefly, Sumo’s origins were religious and then in the 1100s became a way to increase military efficiency. It later became more entertainment and eventually (in the 1600s) evolved into a competitive sport. It hasn’t changed much in the last 400 years. Matches take place under a suspended roof resembling that of a Shinto shrine.

Matches are short and each Rikishionly competes once a day. We saw matches that lasted two minutes to as short as 30 seconds. It is quick and dynamic with lots of action from the Rikishis, the “referees,” and the prep of the Dohyo.

We both had a great time. And was a great way to experience an important part of Japanese culture.