Grand Sumo tournament｜Places to enjoy the sounds of Japanese instruments
Sumo's History
Sumo is believed to have originated about 1,500 years ago, with myths and legends of power struggles similar to sumo recorded in ancient texts from the 700s. Over time, it spread among common people as a ritual to predict harvests, while in the imperial court, it evolved into a ceremony to pray for a bountiful harvest and peace. The presence of sumo rings at shrines today reflects its origins as a Shinto ritual, and even modern sumo retains many rituals closely linked to Shinto traditions.
During the Kamakura period (1185-1333) through to the Warring States period (1467-1568), sumo was widely practiced as combat training for Samurai. By the Edo period (1603-1867), sumo became a professional sport, with regular tournaments being held, laying the groundwork for the grand sumo we see today. Alongside kabuki, sumo grew into a beloved form of entertainment for the general public
Sumo and Music
Sumo Jinku（相撲甚句）
Sumo Jinku are traditional songs performed during ring entry ceremonies and other rituals in sumo. These songs touch on various themes, such as sumo-related events, seasonal imagery, and everyday life. The rikishi (sumo wrestlers) sing these songs a cappella, gathered in a circle, without any instrumental accompaniment. The distinctive features of sumo jinku are its rhythmic, easily recognizable melodies, and the rikishi’s powerful, loud voices, which give the songs a unique and energetic feel.
Yagura-daiko（櫓太鼓）
Yagura-daiko is a traditional drum played from a yagura (watchtower) built over the sumo arena to signal the opening and closing of events. During the late Edo period (1603-1867), the standard height for sumo yagura was set at 16 meters. Historically, the sound of the yagura-daiko resonated throughout the city, serving as an important form of advertising for the sumo event, drawing people’s attention to the matches and festivities.
Yose-Daiko（寄せ太鼓）
Yose-Daiko is a Taiko drum played in the arena just before a Sumo match begins, announcing that the bout is about to start. Its rhythmic beats energize both the wrestlers and the audience, setting an exciting tone for the match.
Hane-daiko（跳ね太鼓）
Hane-daiko is played to signal the end of a day's sumo matches. Its rhythm also carries a message to the audience, saying, "We’ll be waiting for you again tomorrow." As a result, there’s no Hane-daiko performance on the tournament's final day
How to see the Grand Sumo tournament
You can check the schedule and purchase tickets for sumo matches through the Japan Sumo Association's official site.
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