Job Discussion Forums

Hoser · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 694 Location: Toronto, Canada

My roommate are thinking about going since it looks like it all might come down to Sunday. I've never been before and I've got lessons until 12:15 so I wouldn't be able to get an early start. What I'm wondering is, is the last day of sumo usually a complete sell-out? Especially with the two yokuzunas in such a tight race. I was hoping that someone with a bit more experience than me in this regard could kindly help me out. Smile

rich45 · Joined: 26 Jan 2006 Posts: 127

I`ve been a few times during this tournament, each time queueing up at around 8am before the ticket booths open up at 8.20am.

They release about 350 cheap tickets each day, so I would have thought that Sunday would be no exception (may well be wrong).

If this is the case, then I would expect them to be snapped up immediately.

I`m gutted that I can`t go to the final day, but all the best for getting tickets!

Come on Asashoryu! Cool

mimimimi · Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 53

I've been to both the Tokyo and Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournaments. Reserve in advance if you can. In my experience, the last Sundays are usually sold out. The best time to go is in the morning or early afternoon as you can see the beginners and move to seats close to the sumo ring to get good pictures. In Nagoya they allowed people almost complete access to all backstage areas (during the beginner divisions), so you could stand right there next to the wrestlers and watch them warm up and psych each other out. It was great! They didn't allow this in Tokyo when I went this past fall.

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Actually there is an enormous difference in the intensity, speed and skill of the upper level wrestlers and the guys just starting out. Even if you are not that interested in the fights, watching at least some of the upper level bouts (from 4pm on- or do they start earlier on the last day?) is worthwhile as then you can really see what sumo is.

The guys early on the day can be kind of slow and lumbering and not that impressive. The last bout of today is an important one- the two yokozuna (grand champions) have equal numbers of wins and losses so who wins this tournament will be down to this match- it should be sometime around or after 5.30pm. The two yokozuna are quite amazing to watch, so it's worth seeing. Then you can see the huge Emperor's cup get presented- it usually takes two normal guys to lift it but the winner has no trouble holding it.

amphivera · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 27 Location: China

Damn, that was one brilliant final match between Hakuho and Asashoryu.

Hope the OP made it. I wish I could've been there.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Wasn't it great? I would have loved to be there too, but only if I could have had a seat close to the dohyo so I could have had as good a view as I had in our living room! I'm glad I picked the winner Cool

Hopefully we'll get more where it goes right down to the last bout between the yokozunas like that- exciting stuff.

rich45 · Joined: 26 Jan 2006 Posts: 127