A-1
Sorry, we do not accept requests for specific area orientations or seat numbers.
Q-2Do you have wheelchair-accessible seats?
A-2
Yes, we have wheelchair-accessible seats on the 1st floor, west side”Nishigata”. We provide one accompanying seat and one parking space per wheelchair. Please note that wheelchair users will receive a parking permit in advance. Please present the parking permit to the staff on the day of the event for admission.
Q-3How is the seating arrangement?
A-3
Please consider the "Front" as the side where the NHK TV broadcast camera is located. This is the side that the gyoji (referee) faces. The "Opposite Front" side has the “Hanamichi” (pathway for Sumo wrestlers' entrance), and it is the side where you can see the gyoji from behind. Please choose according to your preference.
Q-4Where can I purchase the bento lunch and sumo set?
A-4
You can purchase them at the ticket sales counter. Souvenir redemption will be available at the venue from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please remember that redemption is only available on the day of the event. There will be no on-site sales, only advance sales.
About Sumo
Q-5Will all Sumo wrestlers and Yokozuna (grand champion) attend the event?
A-5
Some wrestlers from the top and second divisions of the March Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka-Edion Arena will participate. However, wrestlers who are absent due to injury, illness, or other reasons will not be present. Please understand in advance.
Q-6How many people are in the touring entourage?
A-6
The touring entourage will consist of about 200 people, including Sumo wrestlers, their attendants, gyogi (referees), yobidashi (announcers), SHimpan Oyakata(Master referees), Tokoyama (hairdressers), Wakaimno-gashira(coaches) and Sewayaku(facilitator).
Q-7Can you tell me about the open practice session
A-7
The open practice session is attended by all the sumo wrestlers who are on the tour as a general rule. However, there may be cases where wrestlers cannot participate due to injuries or health conditions.
In regular practice sessions, Sumo wrestlers from the same “Heya” stable or organization practice together, but during the tour, various Sumo wrestlers from different stables come together to train seriously for the grand tournament.
One of the main purposes of the tour is this practice session. You can watch this rare and serious practice session, which you don't often get to see, from around 9 am until around 11 am (scheduled).
Q-8What else is there besides the matches?
A-8
There are unique performances that are exclusive to the tour, such as "Shokkiri" (Forbidden Techniques Exhibition), “Sumo Jinku” (Sumo Chanting), and Taiko Drum Performances.
【Shokkiri】
Shokkiri is a spectacle where forbidden sumo techniques are amusingly introduced. It has been performed since the Edo period to introduce the 48 winning techniques and forbidden techniques before the sumo matches. Nowadays, you can see it in exhibitions and tours of sumo tournament.
Two wrestlers comically and clearly explain the forbidden techniques and unusual winning techniques.
The "Sho" in Shokkiri means "beginning," and "Kiri" means "ending." There is an interesting aspect in seeing the transition from one technique to another.
【Sumo Jinku】
Sumo Jinku is a type of Japanese traditional music. It is a rhythmic chant performed during the sumo tour and other occasions. Five to seven wrestlers stand in a circle on the dohyo (sumo ring), and one wrestler enters the center and sings a solo. The surrounding Sumo wrestlers encourage the performance by clapping their hands and adding a synchronized chant, "Dosukoi, Hoi, A-Dosukoi-Dosukoi."
【Taiko Drum Performances】
Taiko Drum performances, known as "Yagura Daiko Uchiwake," were originally started by "Master Yobidashi Taro" who was the first surviving recipient of an award in the sumo community. It was used as a signal to call the elderly sumo masters when there were consultations, and it was also performed in hopes of peace and prosperity. It used to be played at around 2 or 3 midnight and was called the purification drum.
After the Hane Taiko sumo performance ends, it is played simultaneously with everyone facing the audience, and it signifies "Goodbye, please return home. We look forward to your visit again tomorrow." Therefore, it is not played during single-day events or the final day of the tour.
Venue operations
Q-9Is it possible to take photos with the sumo wrestlers? I would like to get their autographs as well...
A-9
It is possible with the permission of the wrestlers themselves. However, please make sure not to disrupt the venue operations.
※Please be mindful not to obstruct the view of other customers by standing for a long time in the aisle waiting for the wrestlers.
Q-10Is it possible to interact with the sumo wrestlers?
A-10
We will hold a handshake event with four wrestlers for about an hour from around 9 am (scheduled).
The names of the participating wrestlers will be announced at the venue on the morning of the event.
※Please consider the Sumo wrestlers' comfort and well-being.
※Please note that we cannot accommodate all requests. Please understand in advance.
Q-11Is food and drink allowed inside the venue?
A-11
Food and drink are allowed inside the venue.
Please purchase food and drinks at the venue on the day of the event.
※Bringing alcohol from outside is prohibited. If any alcohol is found, it will be confiscated.
※Please drink responsibly when consuming alcoholic beverages sold at the venue.
Q-12Is there a parking lot available?
A-12There is a limited number of parking spaces available at the venue.
Please consider carpooling or using public transportation (bus, taxi).
※Please abide by the traffic regulations, including parking violations.
Also, please refrain from parking at nearby stores or other locations.
※For those who have purchased wheelchair seats, we will send you a parking permit in advance.
(One parking permit will be issued per group)
Please present the parking permit to the staff on the day of the event for admission.
Q-13I purchased a seat. Can I buy a commemorative cushion?
A-13
Yes, commemorative cushions will be available for purchase at the venue on the day of the event.
Please purchase them early as the quantity is limited.
Q-14Can I re-enter the venue?
A-14
You can re-enter if you show your ticket stub.
Q-15I want to bring my own chair or cushion because my back hurts. Can I do that?
A-15
In terms of evacuation guidance, we kindly request that you refrain from bringing fixed chairs or cushions. However, if you have physical limitations, please consult with us in advance regarding the shape and type of chair you plan to bring.
Alternatively, we offer rental of "simple chairs" on the day of the event. If you have discomfort in your legs and back, please feel free to use them. (Photo for reference)
If you would like to rent a chair, please approach our staff at the venue. Please note that pre-booking is not available and the number of chairs is limited.
Price: 1,000 yen
(We will collect 1,500 yen as a deposit during the rental, and refund 500 yen when you return the chair)
We have compiled some frequently asked questions.
