SUMO EVENT & "CHANKO" PARTY

11:00 am ~ Meet at Ryogoku Kokugikan ~


Sakura House staff are waiting for you!	Sumo is really popular, look at the queue!	Finally got in, so excited!

Even though it was unfortunately raining on that day, our friends were so excited to join and couldn't wait to begin!

11:30 am ~ DOORS OPEN and It's About to Start! ~


Shake hands with the main character at the entrance!	We've set up the Sakura House "box seat" :)	Everybody get your cameras ready~!

Right after we entered the stadium, we were immediately greeted by the retiring wrestler. Everybody got a close encounter with him by shaking hands and some were lucky to receive his signature as well!

Later we all get settled and the event soon began with many spectacular performances, such as traditional Japanese folk music, comedian Sumo "competitions", cheer leaders from the wrestler's alma mater and much more. Check out the flickr photos below!

11:30 am - 4:00 pm ~ Retirement Ceremony & Sumo Competitions ~


Grand entrance into the sacred ring	Hair-cutting ceremony means officially retired	Fierce Sumo competitions!

Afterwards the Sumo wrestlers entered one by one into the sacred ring called "Dohyo" and sung the chant that further heat up the atmosphere. The strongest wrestlers called "Yokozuna" even had their special entering ceremony, unveiling their commanding presence.

Then the retiring wrestler had his hair cut by his master, symbolizing he will never battle in the ring again. This was followed by the long-awaited competitions where wrestlers from the east go neck and neck with the west side.

Finally, all the spectators held their breath as an "Oseki" (2nd highest-ranking wrestlers) challenged the Yokozuna. The 2 Rykishis demonstrated the pinnacle of Sumo, and although the stronger Yokozuna eventually won, both of them received numerous applause from the crowd for their power and spirit.

5:00 pm ~ CHANKO (Sumo Wrestler's Hotpot) Party! ~


Share a pot with friends	Cheers!	Sake goes very well with the pot!

After watching the mighty Sumo competitions, we all felt the need to learn from the Rykishis to be strong and powerful, both body and mind. And the first step is to eat what they eat :)

Consumed by the wrestlers on a daily basis, "Chanko" is a hotpot with beef, pork, tofu, mushrooms, udon noodles and vegetables that is tasty and nutritious. Besides the food, we also had great fun chatting with each other and making new friends!

Thank you all for joining and making the event a huge success!!