As March arrives, the rhythmic sound of Japanese yose drums begin to echo through the streets of Osaka. The Osaka Grand Sumo tournament signals the coming of spring. The highlights of this large-scale event brings excitement and energy to the Kansai community.
1. The Appeal of Osaka’s Turbulent Sumo Tournament
Osaka’s Sumo March tournament is also known as the “Turbulent Osaka Tournament.” It earned this nickname because of the unexpected drama often unfolding, such as young sumo wrestlers using their popularity and momentum to defeat top-ranked veterans. The venue, EDION Arena Osaka, gives a very close up-front view of matches as the distance between sumo wrestlers and the audience is closer than other venues. Imagine the powerful impact of two sumo wrestlers colliding up close as you hear the roar from the crowd and feel the heat from the “dohyo” (ring) on your skin.
2. This Year’s Highlight: The Rise of Ukrainian Sumo Wrestlers
Two sumo wrestlers from the Ukraine will be participating in this year’s sumo tournament in March. With ZenGroup being founded by representatives from the Ukraine, we are happy to send our support to the following two wrestlers stepping into the dohyo in March!
- Aonishiki Arata: He is the first wrestler from Ukraine to be promoted to the second highest rank in Sumo known as “Ozeki”. In this tournament he will be competing for the highest rank, which is “Yokozuna”. Having just come off of a win in his second consecutive championship back in January, his strength is undeniable. Fun fact, the Kanji character for “Ao” (Blue) in his ring name originates from the Ukrainian flag. His determination to bring good news back to his war-torn homeland has touched the hearts of many fans.
- Shishi Masaru: Another sumo wrestler hailing from the Ukraine is a Maegashira (Rank 11) in the top sumo division known as Makuuchi. He is making noise within the Sumo community alongside Aonishiki.
3. Post-sumo perks: Wandering through Namba.
Before and even after enjoying the action in the ring, we strongly suggested to enjoy theS entertainment district right next to the ring. Check out some of the interesting food and perks of catching this amazing event in Osaka.
- Chanko-nabe: There are many chanko-nabe (sumo stew) restaurants and Japanese style pubs (Izakaya) around Namba frequented by wrestlers. How about giving a real sumo wrestler’s meal a try? You might enjoy the same flavors as your favorite wrestler! Many shops are also run by former sumo wrestlers, such as the exquisite salt-based chanko by former Makuuchi division “Saganobori,” or the popular “Sumo Cuisine Nishinoryu”.
- The excitement of stadium’s front entrance “Basho-iri”: Outside the venue, you can see fans watching closely as wrestlers get out of taxis and head toward the ring. Compared to Tokyo’s popular Sumo venue, Kokugikan, the Osaka venue is more compact. Get there early to get the chance to see your favorite sumo wrestler in their eye-catching kimonos up close and personal this Spring.
Conclusion
When the Osaka sumo tournament begins, you’ll start seeing wrestlers in kimonos all around Namba, and the entire city becomes lively. Just a short trip from the ZenGroup head office, we hope you’ll come and experience the wonderful atmosphere this event brings and support the wrestlers from the Ukraine!
