The Time of Sumo

From September 14 to 28, 2025, the Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Tokyo will host the autumn sumo tournament, known as the Aki basho, one of the six official competitions that mark the annual professional sumo calendar. The fifteen-day event annually attracts thousands of enthusiasts, including both Japanese fans and international visitors, drawn by the unique atmosphere of a sport that is both a competitive discipline and a cultural ritual. The September tournament represents one of the key moments of the season. The tournament begins early in the morning with matches in the lower divisions and culminates in the afternoon with the major division bouts, in which the most renowned wrestlers compete, including the ōzeki and, where present, the very rare yokozuna. Each bout is introduced by traditional ceremonies, ritual dances, and a rigorous observance of the symbolic codes that distinguish sumo from any other sport. The Ryōgoku Kokugikan, a historic arena and symbol of modern sumo, was inaugurated in 1985 and can accommodate over eleven thousand spectators. In addition to the bouts, the tournament also hosts side events such as banquets featuring chankonabe, the wrestlers' signature dish, and special ceremonies related to the rikishi's sporting life cycle, such as official retirements and rank promotions.