Sumo Hall Hirakuza: My Honest Review About This ‘Show’

On my last night in Osaka, after a couple of weeks of exploring more remote onsen towns, meeting with craftsman in their studios, and venturing away from the usual Japan destinations, I decided to do something I hadn’t done in a while – go full tourist.

And by that I meant checking out the Sumo ‘show’ at the newly opened Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka. A nightly entertainment event showcasing Sumo in its own custom designed space.

High level, I’ll tell you what it is, and what it is not. Before going I read some mixed reviews, with the main negative being that it’s not ‘authentic’ sumo. The positive reviews said it was high energy and fun. A drink, cheer, and have a good time type of fun.

Is The Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka Worth Visiting?

So, yes. Both sides are correct for the most part.

This is not a tournament and the wrestlers are not going all out. Part of the show is a stage and sound reenactment about the origin of Sumo. The whole show is in English and you argue that it’s more or less for tourists.

However, all the wrestlers are former professional wrestlers. The ring is real and their power is absolutely real. I know, because I was one of the lucky few selected on stage to ‘wrestle’ one of the guys, a well-received part of the show. Despite launching my entire weight at fan-favorite Toma, who clocks in at almost 500 lbs, he did not budge a millimeter.

All around me, people were having a good time drinking and cheering. I think it’s one of those rare times in Japan, where it’s not so bad to be a bit drunk and loud.

I think importantly, for an hour long show, you get an understanding for the basics and rules of Sumo Wrestling.

My honest opinion?

If you can’t catch a tournament, it’s a fun way to see real sumo wrestlers, especially with a group of friends or as a family.

Three Ways To See Sumo

If you’re interested in seeing some form of sumo wrestling, there’s really just three main ways.

1. Attend of one of the six tournaments held throughout the year throughout the year
2. Join a morning practice to see sumo wrestling up close.
3. See ex-wrestlers perform at a sumo show.

I’ll give you more details and recommendations below. You can skip straight there as well.

Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka

Essentially, the new Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka falls into the third category, an entertainment and dinner show featuring real sumo wrestlers, some of which you may have see in movies, done in a fun, light-hearted manner.

The space on the 8th floor of the Namba City shopping complex was purposely built for this show, with a lights and sound system to complement the massive ring. The 180 seats are arranged in a theatre style on three sides of the stage. I felt like I was walking into a production studio – in a good way.

There are 3 classes of seats (Premium, Standard and Premium BL)

Premium is the front row. There are around 30 seats here with 12 directly in front of the stage and 18 to the sides. I sat in the front row and it was really up close view of the stage, where I was able to high five the wrestlers when they passed by.

Standard are the main seat areas. There are about 140 seats here and they are elevated so everyone has a clear view.

Premium BL are sofa style boxed seats. It’s located a bit to the corner for a more intimate experience. The perk of sitting here is a guaranteed appearance on the stage to ‘fight’ with one of the wrestlers of your choice. One per box.

There’s about a ¥3,500 (~$24 USD) difference between the Premium and Standard seat if you want to guarantee yourself a front row seat.

I found the best prices here for the Sumo Hall Hirakuza since you don’t have to pay the extra ¥700 booking fee on the official page.

What To Expect From The Sumo Hall Hirakuza Show

The 60 minute program is divided into two parts. The MC comes out 10 minutes before the show starts to get everyone hyped up. Your snack bag or bento box and drink will be brought out before the show and there’s an option to order additional items from a touchscreen tablet.

Journey of the Rising Sun

The first part is the SUMO CHRONICLES, a theatrical storytelling reenactment of the origin of Sumo over 1500 years ago. We see the sumo wresters for the first type in dramatic fashion. I won’t spoil the whole show, because that’s what it is. This part lasts for about 15-20 minutes.

I purposely came in not knowing what to expect and this was certainly a surprise. There’s a short break in between and then we are introduced to the four wrestlers of the day, Waka, Matsu, Kiku, and Toma, in the second part.

Sumo Rules and Demonstrations

This is Sumo exhibition part. The MC is back out to get the crowd going as each of the wrestlers take their respective corners.

Together, they demonstrate the different concepts in Sumo wrestling and the rules for a tournament. And then in pairs, they go through the different ways to score a victory as well as the moves that are allowed and not allowed.

The whole thing is light-hearted and entertaining, especially from Toma, who plays off his massive size to the crowd’s delight.

The most shocking part of the whole show is seeing Toma’s incredible flexibility, which you would not expect of someone weight nearly 500 lbs or 230kg. Most people don’t know that despite looking like they just overweight, sumo wrestlers are incredibly strong, flexible, agile athletes.

There’s a clip of a massive American football linebacker who hardly make a younger sumo wrestler budge.

At this point, everyone seems to have their favorites.

Sumo Exhibition Tournament

Now that the audience should have an understanding of Sumo, the four wrestlers are paired off in a mini tournament exhibition.

First off is Matsu, who is listed as 5’1 against 6′ Toma. The size difference is huge. This is the part where everyone is yelling and screaming. I’m rooting for Toma, but the crowd is divided, with half rooting for Matsu’s David against Toma’s Goliath.

After performing the ritual Shiko, or foot stomp, the two bodies clash. Matsu throws repeatedly slaps at and drives into Toma, but can hardly get him to move, instead being pushed back himself nearly to the edge of the ring. With some effort, he pushes the pair back towards the center before slipping out and behind Toma. With a series of forceful pushes, he shocks the crowd and pushes Toma out of the ring.

Was this staged? Probably. Most likely. But it was still entertaining like WWE wrestling. Everyone was into it and ready for the next match between Kiku and Waka. I have Waka for this one.

This match is more about position and movement, with the pair trying to throw the other. Waka is pushed to the ring’s edge in near defeat, but escapes, grips onto Kiku’s mawashi belt and throws him to the ground with a pivot of his hip. A victory for Waka and the final match up is set.

Final Showdown

It’s Matsu vs. Waka and the cheers are the loudest at this point. The pair stare down. It’s speed vs power. Both immediately grapple to a deadlock in the center and you can see the effort on their faces. No one wants to give an inch until the smaller Matsu manages to push Waka to the edge again.

Just like last time, Waka is on his toes to avoid being pushed out. Mustering up a surge of strength, he advances forward just enough to lift Matsu off the ground, turn and drop him outside the ring.

Experiencing Sumo

My favorite part comes next as the MC comes out and asks for volunteers to come on stage against the wrestlers. There’s a rush to sign up and I’m unashamedly the second in line.

Moments later, my number is pulled out of the box and I’m ushered backstage. To my surprise, the three contestants are given giant sumo suits to put on along. This is going to be so fun.

I’m second to go, so I can watch and know what to expect. The first guy is a lot bigger than me, but is small next to Matsu, who remember, is the smallest of the wrestlers. Matsu toys with him a bit as he tries to grapple at the Sumo wrestler with no luck. There would be no mercy here as he easily pushes him out of the ring.

Me Vs. Toma

It’s my turn and I’m not even seeing the crowd. I try to take it seriously, but I’m also laughing at the sheer ridiculous situation. It’s my last night in Japan and I’m in a sumo suit about to launch himself at the behemoth, Toma. And that’s exactly what I do.

He’s got about 350 pounds on me, so I just jump and throw my body (plus the suit) into his. He doesn’t expect this, but he’s also unbothered. Neither was I apparently, as I take a step back to launch a second and third aerial assault. Each time he just bumps me back and the crowd loves it. On my fourth and sadly final push, Toma catches me mid-air and dumps me to the crowd. Victory Toma. I accept my loss with grace and bow to the crowd.

The Sumo Hall Hirazuka actually has a day time experience where you get to do something similar, albeit without the slightly silly suit.

Photo Op

The night ends with a chance to meet the wrestler and have your photo taken. It was a fun and slightly sweaty (at the end) hour and I’m was glad I decided to go. The two girls next to me bought their tickets just minutes before the show and they shared the same sentiment.

I asked the a couple to the other side of me why they came and they said they just wanted to do something fun and random.

I couldn’t put it any better.

The Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka is opened every day except Tuesdays and the nightly show starts at 6 pm. Check for availability and prices here.

When Are Sumo Tournaments Held In 2025?

There are six tournaments in the Sumo calendar. Each event usually lasts for 2 weeks and takes places once every two months. Three (3) taking place in Tokyo, one (1) in Osaka, one (1) in Nagoya, and one (1) in Fukuoka. Tickets are released usually a month ahead of time.

The January Tournament (Tokyo) takes place at the Kokugikan Arena from January 12 – 26. Tickets are released December 7, 2024.

The March Tournament (Osaka) takes place at EDION Arena from March 9 – 23. Tickets are released on February 8.

The May Tournament (Tokyo) takes place at the Kokugikan Arena from May 11 – 25. Tickets are released April 5.

The July Tournament (Nagoya) takes place at the Aichi International Arena from July 13 – 27. Tickets are released May 17.

The September Tournament (Tokyo) takes places at the Kokugikan Arena from September 14 – 28. Tickets are released August 9.

The November Tournament (Fukuoka) takes place at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center from November 9 – 23. Tickets are released September 20.

The official site to buy ticket is here and they sell out fast. The easier option to just buy from the allocated stock tickets.

How To Watch Sumo Practice

Other than the tournaments themselves, one of the best ways to experience Sumo is to attend a real morning practice. Note that most of the sumo stables are in Tokyo, though occasionally there are options in Osaka before the March tournament.

Practices usually start between 8 to 9 am and last between 45 – 120 minutes depending on the training regiment for the day. It could be longer or shorter depending on how close they are to a tournament. The great this is that this is the real deal.

The reason they allow tourists and viewing is a way to keep the stables running. So it’s important to practice proper manners and be silent during the training. Photos and videos are allowed and depending on the day, you might be able to get a photo with the wrestlers after their training session.

There are quite a few tours taking you to watch the practice with a guide who can explain some of what you’re seeing. You can find them here, but one of the better option is with the Tatsunami stable.

In my opinion, if you want to just go to a practice on your own, this is your best source. They will connect you with a host stable and send you instructions on how to arrive for the session. There may be other people, but you won’t be part of a tour group. There’s an option to add a private guide.

Updated on April 15, 2025