Grand Sumo Tournament on NHK World

COVID-19 has robbed us of traveling to Japan for a second spring season. But not all is lost, because we can still watch the Grand Sumo Tournament on NHK World.

Sumo Ceremony

Yokozuna ring-entering ceremony

Quick Sumo History

Sumo Wrestling got its start about 1,500 years ago as a Shinto ritual to offer prayers for a year of rich harvest.

It became more of a spectator sport during the Edo period, and many of its ritualistic formalities have remained unchanged to this day.

Sumo Opening Ceremony

Ring-entering ceremony

What is NHK World?

NHK is Japan’s largest television station, and NHK World is their global broadcast. They have a wide variety of shows, news and sports available in a number of languages, including English.

You can also download their app and watch from your phone, tablet or television.

How do I watch Grand Sumo on NHK World?

The Grand Sumo Tournament takes place six times per year and lasts two weeks. The most recent tournament highlights are available to watch during scheduled broadcasting. NHK Sumo airs four times per day at 12:30 am EST, 4:30 am EST, 12:30 pm EST, and 6:30 pm EST.

If none of these time slots fit your schedule, you can also watch the Grand Sumo highlights on-demand the following day. This is also great because it gives you a chance to catch up on all the bouts you may have missed.

Sumo Wrestlers Fighting

Tachiai – Two sumo wrestlers first collision

Grand Sumo 2022 and 2024 Schedules

The Grand Sumo Tournament takes place six times per year during the months of January, March, May, July, September and November. The January, May, and September tournaments are held in Tokyo. The March tournament is held in Osaka, the July tournament is held in Nagoya, and the November tournament is held in Fukuoka.

Here is the entire Grand Sumo Tournament 2022 Schedule:

The January Tournament – January 9, 2022 to January 23, 2022

The March Tournament – March 13, 2022 to March 27, 2022

The May Tournament – May 8, 2022 to May 22, 2022

The July Tournament – July 10, 2022 to July 24, 2022

The September Tournament – September 11, 2022 to September 25, 2022

The November Tournament – November 13, 2022 to November 27, 2022

Here is the entire Grand Sumo Tournament 2023 Schedule:

The January Tournament – January 8, 2023 to January 22, 2023

The March Tournament – March 12, 2023 to March 26 2023

The May Tournament – May 14, 2023 to May 28, 2023

The July Tournament – July 9, 2023 to July 23, 2023

The September Tournament – September 10, 2023 to September 24, 2023

The November Tournament – November 12, 2023 to November 26, 2023

Here is the entire Grand Sumo Tournament 2024 Schedule:

The January Tournament – January 14, 2024 to January 28, 2024

The March Tournament – March 10, 2024 to March 24 2024

The May Tournament – May 12, 2024 to May 26, 2024

The July Tournament – July 14, 2024 to July 28, 2024

The September Tournament – September 8, 2024 to September 22, 2024

The November Tournament – November 10, 2024 to November 24, 2024

You can learn more on the official Grand Sumo Tournament website.

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