Watching sumo is one of the most authentic attractions in Japan. The annual grand tournaments are held only in odd months; January, May, and September in Tokyo, March in Osaka, July in Nagoya, and November in Fukuoka. You don’t want to miss the tournament matches if you happen to be around the area. But if you do, no worries. Sumo Jungyo Tour is another way to enjoy sumo!

What is Jungyo tour?

Jungyo means “regional tour”. Rikishi (sumo wrestlers) go on tours to promote sumo and to earn support from fans all around Japan between the tournaments. In a Jungyo, unlike the six tournaments, the rikishi are more relaxed in matches, and fans can interact with their favorite rikishi. The exhibition event includes not only informative demonstrations of the ceremonial aspects of sumo but also comical and entertaining performances by rikishi.

April 2020 Jungyo Tour Schedule

Sumo Jungyo in Yokohama flyer01

Possibly you might be able to have an opportunity to see both sakura and sumo Jungyo on the same day!

A Jungyo Exhibition Event Day

9:00-

Taiko-Uchiwake, Taiko drumming signals the doors of the event are open
Yobidashi Plays the Taiko drums for the opening od the doors

Morning Practice

Hand Shaking & Photo Session
Sumo Rikishi, shake-hands and take photos with attendees, taking turns in 15-minute intervals

Juryo & Makuuchi Moshiai
Two rikishi fight bouts, the loser leaves the ring, and the winner stays and chooses his next opponent

11:00-

Jonidan Bouts
Bouts between Jonidan (the second rank from the bottom)

Sandanme Bouts
Bouts between Sandanme (the third rank from the bottom)

12:00-

Makushita Bouts
Bouts between Makushita (the fourth rank from the bottom)

Jinku (Sumo Folk Songs)

Sumo Jinku are special folk songs which consist of 4 parts (parts 1-3 are 7 syllables long, and part 4 has 5 syllables)

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Shokkiri (Sumo Slapstick Comedy Show)

A sumo slapstick comedy show explaining and demonstrating various techniques, rules, as well as illegal moves

Kamiyui Oicho
Hairdresser demonstrates completing the topknot called Oicho which is allowed for Juryo or above ranking rikishi

13:00-

Juryo Ring Entrance Ceremony
Juryo enter the ring dressed in Keshomawashi (ceremonial aprons)

Juryo Bouts

13:30-

Makuuchi Ring Entrance Ceremony
Maegashira, Komusubi, Sekiwake, and Ozeki enter the ring dressed in Keshomawashi (ceremonial aprons)

Yokozuna Ring Entrance Ceremony
Yokozuna enters the ring dressed in Keshomawashi (ceremonial aprons)

Makuuchi Bouts

Musubi-no-Ichiban
The last bout of the day

15:00-

Yomitori-shiki, Bow Twirling Ceremony
The closing ceremony of the day

Uchidashi
Taiko drumming signals the close of the event

Photo: by funkgirldeluxe  (CC BY-SA 2.0) via flickr.com

Images: Ozumo Jungyo Jimukyoku by Landmark Enterprise Inc.