Sumo wrestling, with its rich history and captivating rituals, is a cornerstone of Japanese culture. For those new to the sport, or even seasoned enthusiasts, understanding the structure of the professional sumo year can be crucial for following the action and appreciating the dedication of the rikishi (wrestlers). A key question that often arises is: How many sumo tournaments are there each year?
The Six Grand Sumo Tournaments (Honbasho)
The answer, in short, is that there are six official sumo tournaments held annually. These are called honbasho (本場所), which translates to “main tournaments.” These tournaments are the only ones that count towards a wrestler’s official ranking and determine their progress within the sumo hierarchy. Knowing the schedule of these tournaments is essential for any sumo fan.
Each honbasho lasts for 15 days. Wrestlers compete in one bout each day, aiming for a winning record, or kachikoshi (勝ち越し), of eight wins or more. A losing record, or makekoshi (負け越し), has serious implications for a wrestler’s ranking.
The Annual Tournament Schedule
The six honbasho are held in specific locations and times throughout the year. This predictable schedule allows fans to plan their viewing and even travel to Japan to experience the excitement firsthand. Let’s take a look at the schedule in detail:
January: Hatsu Basho (初場所)
The Hatsu Basho, or “first tournament,” is held in Tokyo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. It takes place in January and sets the stage for the sumo year. This tournament is particularly significant as it offers a fresh start for all wrestlers and often sees surprising upsets. The atmosphere is electric as fans are eager to see which rikishi have trained well during the off-season.
March: Haru Basho (春場所)
The Haru Basho, meaning “spring tournament,” is held in Osaka. This tournament in March provides a change of scenery and a different atmosphere compared to the Tokyo-based Hatsu Basho. The Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium is filled with enthusiastic local fans. The March tournament often coincides with the beautiful cherry blossom season, adding to the cultural experience.
May: Natsu Basho (夏場所)
The Natsu Basho, or “summer tournament,” returns to Tokyo and the Ryogoku Kokugikan in May. By this point in the year, the contenders for the year’s overall championship, known as the yusho, are beginning to emerge. The warmer weather adds to the intensity of the competition.
July: Nagoya Basho (名古屋場所)
The Nagoya Basho is held in Nagoya. The Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium plays host to the July tournament. Known for its humid weather, the Nagoya Basho tests the wrestlers’ endurance. Fans often bring cooling items to combat the summer heat, and the wrestlers must adjust their training and diets to perform at their best.
September: Aki Basho (秋場所)
The Aki Basho, meaning “autumn tournament,” takes place in Tokyo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan once again. September marks the beginning of the autumn season, and the tournament often features dramatic performances as wrestlers vie for promotion and solidify their positions. The September tournament is also a crucial one for wrestlers looking to end the year on a high note.
November: Kyushu Basho (九州場所)
The Kyushu Basho is held in Fukuoka. This final tournament of the year provides a last opportunity for wrestlers to improve their rankings and potentially earn promotion to higher divisions. Held in November, it offers a distinct regional flavor and is eagerly anticipated by local sumo fans. Wrestlers often use this tournament to showcase improvements made throughout the year.
The Significance of Honbasho Results
The results of each honbasho directly impact a wrestler’s ranking. The ranking system in sumo is hierarchical, with wrestlers progressing through various divisions based on their performance. A kachikoshi leads to a rise in the rankings, while a makekoshi results in a demotion. Consistent success in honbasho is essential for reaching the top ranks.
The ultimate goal for most sumo wrestlers is to reach the makuuchi division, the highest division in sumo. Within makuuchi, wrestlers aim for the coveted sanyaku ranks, including komusubi, sekiwake, ozeki, and ultimately, yokozuna. The results of the honbasho are meticulously analyzed to determine promotions and demotions.
Beyond the Honbasho: Training and Regional Tours
While the six honbasho are the most prominent events on the sumo calendar, they are not the only sumo-related activities that take place throughout the year. Sumo wrestlers spend a significant amount of time in rigorous training at their respective stables, known as heya.
In addition to training, wrestlers also participate in regional tours called jungyo. These tours allow fans outside of the main tournament locations to witness sumo demonstrations and interact with the wrestlers. Although jungyo bouts are not competitive or officially ranked, they provide an important opportunity for wrestlers to connect with their fans and promote the sport. The jungyo also allow wrestlers to practice and maintain their physical condition between honbasho.
How to Follow the Honbasho
For fans outside of Japan, following the honbasho has become increasingly accessible thanks to modern technology. Several online streaming services and sports channels broadcast the tournaments live, often with English commentary. Websites and social media accounts dedicated to sumo provide up-to-date information, analysis, and highlights. Following the tournaments is relatively easy, allowing global fans to enjoy the ancient sport.
Understanding the Sumo Ranking System
To truly appreciate the significance of the honbasho, it’s helpful to understand the sumo ranking system, known as banzuke. The banzuke is a list of all the wrestlers in professional sumo, ranked according to their performance. It is updated after each honbasho based on the wrestlers’ win-loss records.
The ranking system is divided into six divisions:
- Makuuchi: The top division, featuring the most elite wrestlers.
- Juryo: The second division, often seen as a stepping stone to makuuchi.
- Makushita: The third division.
- Sandanme: The fourth division.
- Jonidan: The fifth division.
- Jonokuchi: The lowest division, where new wrestlers begin their careers.
The banzuke plays a critical role in determining match pairings. Wrestlers are typically matched against opponents of similar rank, ensuring competitive and compelling bouts. The ranking system adds another layer of intrigue to the honbasho, as wrestlers strive to climb the ladder and achieve higher honors.
Looking Ahead to Future Honbasho
The tradition of holding six honbasho each year is deeply ingrained in sumo culture, and there are no indications that this schedule will change in the foreseeable future. These tournaments are not merely sporting events; they are cultural spectacles that connect modern Japan with its ancient past.
The honbasho provide a platform for wrestlers to showcase their skills, for fans to celebrate their passion for sumo, and for the traditions of this unique sport to be passed down to future generations. The anticipation for each honbasho begins weeks in advance, with fans eagerly awaiting the opportunity to witness the power, skill, and artistry of sumo wrestling.
In conclusion, the answer to the question of how many sumo tournaments there are each year is definitively six. These six honbasho form the backbone of the sumo calendar, providing the framework for competition, ranking, and the perpetuation of this remarkable cultural tradition. By understanding the schedule and significance of these tournaments, fans can fully appreciate the dedication and skill of the rikishi and the rich history of sumo wrestling.
How many official sumo tournaments are held each year?
There are six official sumo tournaments, also known as honbasho, held annually. These tournaments are crucial for a wrestler’s ranking and overall career progression within the sumo world. Each tournament spans 15 days and provides ample opportunity for wrestlers to demonstrate their skills and climb the ranks.
These six tournaments are not scattered randomly throughout the year. They follow a fixed schedule, occurring in specific months and locations across Japan, making it easy for fans to follow the sumo season. This structured schedule allows wrestlers to prepare and peak for each honbasho, ensuring a consistent display of high-level sumo wrestling.
Where are the six annual sumo tournaments held?
The six annual sumo tournaments are held in four different cities across Japan. Tokyo hosts three tournaments, while Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka each host one. This distribution allows sumo fans across the country to experience the thrill of a live tournament.
Specifically, Tokyo hosts the January (Hatsu basho), May (Natsu basho), and September (Aki basho) tournaments. Osaka hosts the March (Haru basho) tournament, Nagoya hosts the July (Nagoya basho) tournament, and Fukuoka hosts the November (Kyushu basho) tournament. This geographic spread highlights the national significance of sumo wrestling in Japan.
When do the sumo tournaments take place each year?
The six sumo tournaments follow a rigid schedule, occurring in odd-numbered months. This consistency allows fans to easily anticipate and plan for each event. The tournaments typically begin on the second Sunday of their respective month, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
The tournaments are held in January, March, May, July, September, and November. This bi-monthly structure creates a consistent rhythm for the sumo season and divides the year into periods of competition and training for the wrestlers. The fixed schedule is a fundamental aspect of the sumo calendar.
What is the significance of these six tournaments?
These six tournaments, the honbasho, are the only tournaments that count towards a wrestler’s official ranking. A wrestler’s performance in these tournaments directly affects their position in the banzuke, the official ranking list. Therefore, consistent strong performances are essential for climbing the ranks and achieving success.
The honbasho also serve as a key source of revenue and fan engagement for the sumo association. They draw large crowds both in person and through television broadcasts, making them a vital part of the sumo culture and economy. The results of these tournaments dictate not only a wrestler’s career trajectory, but also the overall narrative of the sumo world for that year.
What happens if a wrestler misses a tournament?
If a wrestler misses a tournament due to injury or other reasons, they will likely face a significant demotion in the rankings. The extent of the demotion depends on the wrestler’s rank and the number of days missed. Missing an entire tournament can be especially detrimental to a wrestler’s career.
However, a wrestler’s performance in subsequent tournaments can help them recover from a previous absence. Strong performances after returning from an injury can help them regain lost ground and potentially even climb back up the rankings. Therefore, resilience and consistency are key to long-term success in sumo.
Are there other sumo events besides the six official tournaments?
Yes, in addition to the six official tournaments, there are also regional sumo tours known as jungyo. These tours involve wrestlers traveling to different parts of Japan to perform exhibition matches and demonstrations. They serve as a way to promote sumo and engage with fans outside of the tournament cities.
These jungyo are less formal than the honbasho and do not affect a wrestler’s ranking. However, they offer a valuable opportunity for wrestlers to practice their skills, connect with fans, and generate interest in the sport. They’re an important part of the sumo ecosystem, supporting the broader appeal of the sport across Japan.
How are the winners of the sumo tournaments determined?
The winner of each sumo tournament is the wrestler who achieves the best record over the 15 days of competition. This means winning the most matches out of the 15 bouts they participate in. If multiple wrestlers are tied for the best record, a playoff match determines the overall champion.
The winner of the tournament is awarded the Emperor’s Cup and other prizes, solidifying their status as the top wrestler for that particular tournament. Winning a tournament is a major achievement and can significantly boost a wrestler’s career and popularity. The victories contribute significantly to their overall legacy and reputation in the sumo world.