The best way to see sumo is live and in person. However, it’s hard to be in Japan for every tournament. So the next best thing is to watch the Grand Sumo Tournament on NHK World.

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.

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 TV 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.

Tachiai – Two sumo wrestlers first collision

Grand Sumo 2026, and 2027 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.