This is SUMO!

In December 2018, Josh and I went to Nagasaki to watch our first sumo match. Sumo (相撲) is a Japanese style of wrestling and Japan's national sport. only men can professionally partake in it. There are many rituals like salt purification of the ground, a referree dresses up as a Shinto priest and a shinto shrine decor is seen around the ring.

The rules are simple: the wrestler who first exits the ring or touches the ground with any part of his body besides the soles of his feet loses. Matches take place on an elevated ring (dohyo), which is made of clay and covered in a layer of sand. A contest usually lasts only a few seconds, but in rare cases can take a minute or more. There are no weight restrictions or classes in sumo, meaning that wrestlers can easily find themselves matched off against someone many times their size. As a result, weight gain is an essential part of sumo training. [Japan Guide]

Below are my pictures from a very entertaining match during which we sat on a slim cushion on the floor very close to the stage and got an incredible view of the action. It's recommended to buy the tickets significantly in advance and it can be done at any convenience store. I had a lovely friend to walk me through the purchase that significantly sped up the process and made finding a venue a matter of typing Japanese name she provided me into google maps. Josh and I got to keep those awesome cushions and enjoyed a bento style lunch boxes along with some micans (tangerines). It's allowed to consume alcohol and many spectators brought their own food as well as additional cushioning for a rather hard floor (we are talking 4hrs+).