Sumo Grand Sumo Tournament in London

[thomas]

Ahead of the Grand Sumo Tournament in London, wrestlers spent Tuesday sightseeing around the city's famous landmarks. The competition is set to run from Wednesday to Sunday. Among the group were the two yokozuna, Onosato and Hoshoryu, who joined their fellow wrestlers on a coach tour that stopped near the London Eye. After getting off, they made their way across Westminster Bridge, pausing to take photos with Elizabeth Tower—better known as Big Ben—rising behind them. Curious onlookers and tourists watched as the wrestlers, dressed in traditional attire, brought a touch of Japan's national sport to the heart of the British capital.

Yokozuna Onosato in London

Yokozuna Onosato in London

The two yokozuna, Onosato and Hoshoryu, along with the other wrestlers, left their hotel by coach and got off in front of the London Eye ferris wheel. As they crossed Westminster Bridge over the River Thames, many of the wrestlers took commemorative photos with Elizabeth Tower, often called Big Ben, in the background. Wherever they went, the wrestlers were greeted by tourists shouting, "Sumo wrestlers!" and they happily posed for photos. Surrounded by crowds, Onosato smiled and remarked, "This is quite something, isn't it?" Hoshoryu bought a hot dog from a street stall, took a bite and declared with satisfaction, "It's delicious!" They later visited Buckingham Palace and other sites, recharging their batteries through their London stroll ahead of the opening performance the following day.

Sumo Wrestlers Onosato, Hoshoryu Enjoy London Stroll Ahead of Tournament

<p>LONDON — Sumo wrestlers participating in the Grand Sumo Tournament in London toured the city center on Tuesday, visiting famous landmarks.</p> <p>The tournament will be held from Wednesday through Sunday.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

The two reigning yokozuna, Onosato and Hoshoryu in London.

 

[Ukigumo]

If I'd known about this tournament in good time, I'd've bought tickets to watch it.

 

[thomas]

The daily updates are here (click the image):



It feels a bit weird to watch these bouts. It looks like half-hearted show fighting.

 

[thomas]

If I'd known about this tournament in good time, I'd've bought tickets to watch it.

Seems it was sold out pretty fast, despite the astronomical prices:

The five-day basho, or tournament, is running until Sunday, with tickets priced at 296 pounds ($400) each and packages at up to 980 pounds per person. [...] On Wednesday, a packed audience cheered as 40 rikishi -- wrestlers -- fought in the purpose-built arena known as a dohyo, which was constructed in the traditional manner, using clay and sand imported from Japan and topped with a hand-made roof. More than 150 people, including around 70 rikishi, dohyo attendants and referees, flew over from Japan for the series.

Paywall alert:

Grand Sumo Tournament returns to London after 34 years

Staging at prestigious Royal Albert Hall sells out despite high ticket prices

asia.nikkei.com