Sumo Arashio sumo stable allows tourists to watch morning training sessions

Some sumo stables have begun welcoming groups of foreign tourists to observe their morning training routines. This approach has drawn criticism from specific figures within the sumo community. Like many aspects of Japanese culture, sumo has become increasingly popular among international visitors. Stables that lack a high-ranking wrestler, essential for securing adequate funding, are turning to the growing interest from tourists as a means of financial support.

On one morning in early April, the shutters at a building opened, revealing the practice area of the Arashio stable in the Nihonbashi Hamacho district of Tokyo's Chuo Ward. On a sidewalk outside the glass walls were several dozen foreign tourists who had been waiting eagerly for a look inside. The wrestlers, however, did not appear startled by the situation. The sounds of large bodies crashing together could be heard by those on the street. Slightly after 8 a.m., 12 tour group members were ushered into the practice area, which has no raised seating area. The tourists were seated on chairs as they listened through earphones to a Japanese guide who gave English-language explanations about the practice session. They were allowed to take photos and videos, and they later posed with rikishi for commemorative photos after the practice session. The 12 were on a group tour organized by a business with ties to Chuo Ward's tourism association.

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The fee for viewing the Arashio stable (荒汐部屋 Arashio-beya) morning practice tour is 13,000 yen per person. A nearby sumo goods shop is operated by individuals with connections to the stable. A growing number of people from overseas are visiting Japan to watch sumo bouts. Commercial group tours are now so popular that certain sections of the audience seats are filled with international visitors on specific days. Tickets for such tours have been sold out for eight consecutive official tournaments since the January tournament last year.

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