Sumo Returns to London After 34 Years

Japan’s top sumo wrestlers are certainly making their presence known in London. Ahead of the sold-out Grand Sumo Tournament at the Royal Albert Hall — the city’s iconic Victorian concert venue — the rikishi have been seen exploring the streets in traditional Japanese attire.

This event marks only the second time in 1,500 years that such a tournament has taken place outside Japan. At the center of attention are the sport’s two highest-ranking wrestlers, or yokozuna: Mongolia’s Hoshoryu Tomokatsu and Japan’s Onosato Daiki. Onosato, 25, earned the title in May, becoming the 75th wrestler to achieve the rank — and doing so in a record-setting 13 tournaments. Hoshoryu, his rival, was the 74th to reach that elite status.

“I’m happy that sumo has returned after so many years,” Onosato told Sky News. “I hope U.K. fans can see how amazing our sport is.” Hoshoryu added, “Being a yokozuna comes with great responsibility. My uncle was one, too — but I’m proud to come to London as a yokozuna, something he never did.”

Between training sessions, the wrestlers visited major London landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster, and Big Ben, happily stopping to take photos and pick up souvenirs. Despite their sightseeing, they’ve maintained their demanding workout and eating routines — essential for building the immense size and strength needed for competition.

According to Donagh Collins, CEO of Askonas Holt, the arts company co-organizing the event, “They’re going through 70 kilos of rice a day. One wholesaler even ran out of noodles!” Still, the wrestlers took time to sample local street food, even sharing hot dogs as they toured the city.

While the London event has generated excitement, sumo wrestling in Japan has recently faced controversy, including allegations of bullying, assault, sexism, illegal betting, and ties to organized crime.

Wednesday marked the opening of the five-day exhibition — the first held at the Royal Albert Hall in 34 years. The wrestlers, weighing a combined six tons, thrilled the crowd with powerful slaps, throws, and lifts on a dohyo — a raised clay ring constructed from eleven tons of imported clay and rice bales, secured in place using beer bottles.

Both grand champions, Hoshoryu and Onosato, won their respective matches, ending the evening with performances as impressive as their physical presence.