Sumo journal

Knowledge that travels.

Sumo Man connects sumo professionals with producers, brands and event organisers.

A sumo show coordinator and producer reviewing a dohyō floor plan

BOOKING GUIDE

How to book a professional sumo show in Japan

A practical guide to cast size, venue, ring options, timing and guest participation.

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Sumo performers preparing backstage at an international live venue

GLOBAL PRODUCTION

Hiring sumo wrestlers for an overseas event

What international producers should prepare for travel, visas, costumes and performance schedules.

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A sumo performer on a professional film set with camera and lighting crew

CASTING

Casting sumo wrestlers for commercials, film and TV

From physique and movement to costume, continuity and on-set safety.

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A gyōji directing two sumo wrestlers at the start of a bout

SUMO CULTURE

What does a gyōji do in sumo?

The referee’s role, visual impact and value in live cultural entertainment.

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An event production team installing and checking a portable dohyō

PRODUCTION

Portable dohyō options for sumo events

Clay ring, raised stage or safety-mat format—which setup fits your venue?

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A former sumo wrestler teaching visitors a supervised training stance

EXPERIENCE

What happens in a sumo training experience in Tokyo?

Shiko, suriashi, teppo, pushing practice and a safe mini-bout explained.

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A stage manager cueing a gyōji and sumo performers from backstage

SHOW DESIGN

A 60-minute sumo show running order

A balanced structure for culture, action, audience participation and photography.

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A production safety team checking floor protection and audience barriers

SAFETY

Sumo event safety checklist for producers

Flooring, clearances, performer recovery, participation and emergency planning.

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Authentic kesho-mawashi, yukata, mawashi and gyōji accessories prepared for a production

AUTHENTICITY

Mawashi, kesho-mawashi and sumo show costumes

What each item means and how it changes the visual language of a production.

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A sumo cultural workshop with students in a school gymnasium

EDUCATION

Sumo workshops for schools and cultural programmes

An inclusive format combining movement, history, etiquette and questions.

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A sumo performer working with a photographer and art director on a brand campaign

BRAND CASTING

Choosing sumo talent for a global brand campaign

Presence is only the beginning: match personality, movement, story and usage.

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A former sumo wrestler walking toward a welcoming new production career

PEOPLE

Life after the ring: sumo wrestlers’ second careers

How performance, teaching, media and entrepreneurship can follow professional sumo.

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