The September Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament was a huge success, with every day of the 15-day event being completely sold out. One notable aspect of the basho was the large number of overseas spectators in attendance. Due to an increase in tourism, Ryogoku Kokugikan was filled with visitors from various countries, particularly Europe and North America. These tourists were clearly fascinated by the dynamic matches and the aesthetic qualities of sumo.
To help foreign visitors better understand and appreciate the sport, a live English commentary service was introduced during this tournament. Overseas spectators who booked their visits through Japan Wonder Travel website were provided with wireless earpieces, allowing them to enjoy commentary during bouts. After the halfway point of each day’s matches, foreign audience members received analysis and details about the wrestlers, their signature moves, techniques used to win each bout, and key points of each match while seated inside the arena.
The Japan Sumo Association enlisted sportswriter Saki Iizuka as the commentator for this service. Iizuka has authored books on sumo and studied abroad where she learned English. She aimed to provide simple explanations for what fans were witnessing during matches.
According to Iizuka, audience response to this initiative was excellent. The live English commentary service is set to expand beyond Tokyo in future tournaments held in Fukuoka, Osaka, and Nagoya.
As sumo is not only a sport but also deeply rooted in traditional Japanese culture with many intricate aspects that can be challenging for even Japanese fans to grasp fully (such as rituals, attire, and symbolic practices), this service holds particular value for foreign visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Iizuka expressed her commitment to enhancing interest in sumo by including additional behind-the-scenes stories about wrestlers within her commentary.
Given that sumo holds a unique position globally as a distinctive sport with its own traditions and appeal, it is expected that there will be increasing demand for similar initiatives in future tournaments.
— Kamimura is a sumo expert
