London is about to witness an extraordinary sporting event that will leave a lasting impression. Sumo wrestling, a sport synonymous with Japan, is coming to the Royal Albert Hall, bringing with it a unique blend of tradition, athleticism, and cultural exchange.
Imagine the scene: forty formidable wrestlers, weighing in at a collective six tons, have descended upon London from Japan. They're here to compete in the Grand Sumo Tournament, an event that has been meticulously planned for years. But here's where it gets controversial... the Royal Albert Hall, a venue that has hosted a myriad of sports and performances, is now faced with the challenge of accommodating these giants of the ring.
Matthew Todd, the director of programming at the hall, shares the behind-the-scenes preparations. "We had to invest in new chairs that could withstand up to 200kg! Our usual chairs were only rated for half that weight." And that's not all; they've had to reinforce the toilets, a task that Todd describes as "challenging, especially with the wall-mounted ones."
The event organizers have had to think of every detail, from special insurance to cover the risks of ringside cushions to the substantial rice bill. Todd hints at the scale of the operation, saying, "I know the wholesaler ran out of noodles because of our massive order."
The Royal Albert Hall has transformed itself into a sumo arena, with a five-meter-wide clay ring and a six-ton wooden roof. It's a far cry from the bluegrass concerts and philharmonic performances that usually grace its stage.
This isn't the first time the hall has hosted sumo; it did so in 1991 as part of a cultural festival. The venue had planned to bring it back for its 150th anniversary in 2021, but the pandemic intervened. Now, it's finally happening, thanks to the vision of two men: Martin Campbell-White, a promoter who fell in love with sumo during a visit to Japan in the 1980s, and Hakkaku Rijicho, the former rikishi who won the 1991 tournament and is now chairman of the Japanese Sumo Association.
Hakkaku has fond memories of London, including the victory speech he gave in broken English, which he can still recite verbatim today.
"The chairman has a special connection with this city and this venue," says Campbell-White. The Albert Hall's royal status impressed the Japanese officials, who felt it lacked the gravitas they sought for their national sport, unlike Wembley, which was hosting a Luther Vandross concert on their visit.
Sumo tournaments rarely venture outside Japan. There have been occasional exhibition matches in Paris, but this is only the second time a full five-day tournament has been held overseas. Hakkaku explains, "We always wanted to return to London. It's a unique and special place for me. I love the culture, the history, and the fact that they drive on the left!"
The Sumo Association has brought its own support staff, straw, and even empty beer bottles, traditionally used to shape the straw bales surrounding the ring. It's a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that defines this ancient sport.
Most of the wrestlers are visiting England for the first time. In between training, napping (a three-hour afternoon siesta is essential), fighting, and media engagements, they're exploring the city. The hotel has thoughtfully provided Japanese-language maps to guide them to the best spots for afternoon tea.
Both sumo stars, Hõshõryū Tomokatsu and Õnosato Daiki, are here. Hõshõryū was particularly taken with Horse Guards Parade, though he admitted to being scared of the horses. Õnosato, on the other hand, summed up London in one word: "chilly." Despite the weather, he's happy to be here, citing his love for Harry Potter. At just 25, he recently achieved the highest rank in sumo, becoming the first Japanese rikishi to do so since 2017.
Sumo has had its ups and downs in recent years, with scandals rocking the sport. But Õnosato's emergence as a grand champion has sparked a boom in popularity. Tickets are hard to come by in Japan, and virtually impossible in London. A special banner, reserved for sold-out events, already hangs proudly in the hall.
This event promises to be a cultural phenomenon, offering a glimpse into the world of sumo wrestling and its rich traditions. It's a unique opportunity for Londoners to experience a sport that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Will this tournament leave a lasting impact on the city's sporting landscape? Only time will tell. What are your thoughts on this extraordinary event? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!
