[Asakusa Sumo Club] Participate in Matches with Former Sumo Wrestlers! Visit Asakusa Sumo Stable for Lively Sumo Show Experience.

At Asakusa Sumo Stable, located a 1-minute walk from Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station, sumo shows by former sumo wrestlers are hosted three times a day. Visitors can savor wanko-soba noodles, a specialty from Morioka, at the restaurant. Inside, framed photos of record-holding wanko soba eaters are displayed on the entire walls, showcasing the number of bowls that they each consumed. Their rankings are arranged in accordance with the ranks in sumo, including titles like yokozuna (grand champion) and ozeki (champion).

Upon entering the venue for the sumo show, your eyes are immediately drawn to the large dohyo (sumo ring) at the center. It exudes a commanding presence, heightening the anticipation for the upcoming sumo performance. There are spectator seats on both sides of the ring, and with VIP sofa seats in front, it is an immersive setup for watching the dynamic sumo show.

The show begins with a special treat inspired by the sumo stable – the Special Soy Sauce Chanko Nabe (hot pot) which is supervised by a former sumo wrestler in charge of chanko meals. This authentic recipe uses broth made from locally raised chicken, bonito, kelp, and shiitake mushrooms, allowing you to savor the taste of the actual chanko nabe enjoyed by sumo wrestlers. Your first drink is complimentary, and there are unlimited refills for the karaage (fried chicken) and inari sushi (vinegared rice stuffed in deep-fried tofu), making it a delightful system for those with hearty appetites.

As you savor your meal, the emcee takes the stage, signaling the beginning of the sumo show. The emcee switches between Japanese and English in their explanations, starting with details about the served chanko nabe.

Chanko nabe is a highly nutritious meal that incorporates a balanced mix of ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and seafood, so it is well-suited for sumo wrestlers who consume large quantities of food in one sitting. There is also a unique origin behind the chicken karaage. In sumo, touching the sumo ring with hands results in a loss, and chickens, as they stand on two legs without touching the ground with their wings, are considered auspicious. Wrestlers eat chicken for good luck to avoid losing a match.

Inari sushi derives its name from the Inari Shrine, famous as the deity of prosperous business, and its association with the Shinto belief in the god of rice fields worshipping the god of bountiful harvests. Shaped like a rice-filled straw bag (tawara), it is considered auspicious. Exploring the carefully curated menu allows you to delve deeper into Japanese traditional culture and learn more about sumo.

Following the opening dance performance by Yumeno Maki from Funny Dia, two former sumo wrestlers take the stage.

First, they showcase a demonstration of the morning training. They perform shiko, a ritualistic stomping of the feet believed to ward off evil spirits from the ground. Then, there’s the training technique called suriashi to help maintain a stable posture during bouts, and the flexibility-enhancing exercise matawari aimed at preventing injuries. The audience responds with cheers, as they rarely get to see the training of sumo wrestlers.

Next comes the much-anticipated bout demonstration. It’s okay if you’re not familiar with the rules of sumo. Alongside their demonstration, the emcee explains the basic rules, fouls, and forbidden techniques in detail.

With the call of “Hakkeyoi Nokotta! (Ready, set, go!)” the wrestlers collide with each other. The sound of their bodies colliding echoes throughout the venue. Spontanously, the audience on the east side cheers for Asakiichi, while those on the west side support Asazakura. Shouting is surely encouraged! In fact, the louder the cheers, the more spirited the wrestlers become.

After the powerful bouts, it’s time for the ultimate challenge – trying sumo yourself! You can engage with former sumo wrestlers in a match. Participation is on a volunteer basis, and around 8 to 10 people can join. While the participants change clothes to prepare, the rest of the audience can ask questions to the former wrestlers. On this day, one person asked, “What’s your specialty move?”

Participants in sumo costumes take on the former wrestlers one by one. They call on a wrestler they want to challenge, and with the shout of “Hakkeyoi Nokotta!” the bout begins. The audience enthusiastically cheers on the parcitipants. Since the chance to step into the sumo ring is rare, the participants enjoy the moment to the fullest! And don’t worry – no matter how strong the collision, the sumo wrestlers handle it with ease. Participants seem to be truly enjoying themselves.

At the end of the event, each group has the opportunity to take a photo with the former sumo wrestlers. The photos are printed on the spot and given as part of a lovely souvenir gift. The wrestlers escort you to the exit, concluding a satisfying two-hour experience.

Asakusa Sumo Stable offers the unique experience of watching traditional Japanese sumo up close and even participating in a match. It’s perfect for those who want to casually engage with Japanese traditional culture. When you visit Asakusa, be sure to make a reservation and enjoy the spectacular sumo show.