Sumo wrestlers explore the sights of London

They're taking part in a five day tournament

Yokozuna-ranked Onosato of Japan (R) and Yokozuna-ranked Hoshoryu of Mongolia enjoy sightseeing in London
Author: Louise EastonPublished 15th Oct 2025

Sumo wrestlers are at the Royal Albert Hall for their first event in 34 years tonight.

They're there for five sell out dates

It's the second time a Grand Tournament's been held outside of Japan and at the London concert venue instead.

While in the capital some of the wrestlers have taken the opportunity to do a bit of sightseeing.

Grand champion Onosato was pictured walking around Kensington and standing next to a red London bus wearing a kimono.

Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki said Onosato was "taking a stroll".

"Sumo is returning to the Royal Albert Hall after 34 years.

"I hope everyone will have great fun."

Wrestlers posed for pictures in front of the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, rode Lime bikes and even ate hot dogs on Westminster Bridge.

Four wrestlers were also seen crossing the Abbey Road zebra crossing.

The only previous occasion when Sumo has been hosted professionally overseas was in 1991, when the same venue staged a five-day "basho" before a sold-out crowd and which was broadcast nationally in the UK.

The 1991 event, staged as part of that year's Japan Festival in London, was a technical feat for organisers.

Wheelbarrows were used to transport specialist soil to Kensington in west London from a site in Heathrow, while adaptations had to be made to the stage area to ensure it could bear the impact of the competitors as they wrestled.

Sumo is considered more than just a sport in Japan.

There is a ceremonial-religious aspect which dates back more than 1,500 years, with competitors living almost monastic lives in "heya" stables, where they observe strict and highly restricted lifestyles.

Forty of Japan's top wrestlers are expected to travel to London to compete across five days from October 15-19.

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