Tokyo · October 3, 2026
Sumo Retirement Ceremony in Tokyo
Doors open 12:00 PM
Ceremony starts 1:00 PM
Ryogoku Kokugikan
The National Sumo Arena, Tokyo
Tokyo · October 3, 2026
Sumo Retirement
Ceremony in Tokyo
Doors open 12:00 PM
Ceremony tarts 1:00 PM
Ryogoku Kokugikan
The National Sumo Arena, Tokyo
Tokyo · October 3, 2026
Sumo Retirement Ceremony in Tokyo
Doors open 12:00 PM
Ceremony starts 1:00 PM
Ryogoku Kokugikan
The National Sumo Arena, Tokyo
Introduction
Introduction
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Sumo Tradition
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Sumo Tradition
A Once-in-a-Lifetime
Sumo Tradition
"For fourteen years, Hidenoumi devoted himself wholeheartedly to the world of professional sumo."
"For fourteen years, Hidenoumi devoted himself
wholeheartedly to the world of professional sumo."
"For fourteen years, Hidenoumi devoted himself wholeheartedly to the world of professional sumo."
October is usually quiet for grand sumo tournaments in Tokyo but this event brings the Kokugikan back to life with bouts, demonstrations, and Hidenoumi’s final dramatic ceremony in one extraordinary afternoon.
October is usually quiet for grand sumo tournaments in Tokyo.
This event brings the Kokugikan back to life with bouts, demonstrations, and Hidenoumi’s once-in-a-lifetime final ceremony in one accessible afternoon.
Programme
Programme
Programme
What You'll Experience
What You'll Experience
What You'll Experience
An unforgettable day featuring active sekitori wrestlers, Hidenoumi's emotional retirement ceremony, special exhibition matches, and exclusive performances available only at this event.
An unforgettable day featuring active sekitori wrestlers, Hidenoumi's emotional retirement ceremony, special exhibition matches, and exclusive performances available only at this event.
An unforgettable day featuring active sekitori wrestlers, Hidenoumi's emotional retirement ceremony, special exhibition matches, and exclusive performances available only at this event.
01 Ring-Entering Ceremony
01 Ring-Entering Ceremony
01 Ring-Entering Ceremony
Witness an impressive ring-entering ceremony performed by active sekitori wrestlers from Kise Stable, showcasing the dignity and tradition of professional sumo.
Witness an impressive ring-entering ceremony performed by active sekitori wrestlers from Kise Stable, showcasing the dignity and tradition of professional sumo.
Witness an impressive ring-entering ceremony performed by active sekitori wrestlers from Kise Stable, showcasing the dignity and tradition of professional sumo.
02 Exhibition competition
02 Exhibition competition
02 Exhibition competition
Enjoy special exhibition bouts between accomplished amateur wrestlers and professional rikishi. A unique matchup available only at this event.
Enjoy special exhibition bouts between accomplished amateur wrestlers and professional rikishi. A unique matchup available only at this event.
Enjoy special exhibition bouts between accomplished amateur wrestlers and professional rikishi. A unique matchup available only at this event.
03 Hidenoumi's Final Bout
03 Hidenoumi's Final Bout
03 Hidenoumi's Final Bout
Hidenoumi steps into the ring for the final time as an active wrestler, closing out fourteen years of professional sumo. His final opponent is yet to be confirmed but it is normally one close to the wrestler.
Hidenoumi steps into the ring for the final time as an active wrestler, closing out fourteen years of professional sumo. His final opponent is yet to be confirmed but it is normally one close to the wrestler.
Hidenoumi steps into the ring for the final time as an active wrestler, closing out fourteen years of professional sumo. His final opponent is yet to be confirmed but it is normally one close to the wrestler.
04 Topknot-Cutting Ceremony
04 Topknot-Cutting Ceremony
04 Topknot-Cutting Ceremony
Watch Hidenoumi's ceremonial topknot-cutting, a once-in-a-lifetime tradition marking the end of his fourteen-year professional sumo career. Family, friends, fellow wrestlers, and supporters each take part in this emotional farewell.
Watch Hidenoumi's ceremonial topknot-cutting, a once-in-a-lifetime tradition marking the end of his fourteen-year professional sumo career. Family, friends, fellow wrestlers, and supporters each take part in this emotional farewell.
Watch Hidenoumi's ceremonial topknot-cutting, a once-in-a-lifetime tradition marking the end of his fourteen-year professional sumo career. Family, friends, fellow wrestlers, and supporters each take part in this emotional farewell.
New to sumo?
New to sumo?
What is a danpatsu-shiki?
What is a danpatsu-shiki?
What is a danpatsu-shiki?
It is one of sumo’s most moving ceremonies simple to understand, unforgettable to witness.
It is one of sumo’s most moving ceremonies simple to understand, unforgettable to witness.
The topknot marks a sumo wrestler’s life in the ring.
The topknot marks a sumo wrestler’s life in the ring.
For active wrestlers, the topknot is part of their identity. Cutting it is the visible transition from competition into retirement.
For active wrestlers, the topknot is part of their identity. Cutting it is the visible transition from competition into retirement.
Around 300 guests each make a small cut.
Around 300 guests each make a small cut.
Stablemates, family, supporters, and invited guests approach the ring one by one, creating a ceremonial procession that is easy to follow even without knowing the sport.
Stablemates, family, supporters, and invited guests approach the ring one by one, creating a ceremonial procession that is easy to follow even without knowing the sport.
The stablemaster makes the final cut.
The stablemaster makes the final cut.
That last moment formally closes the wrestler’s career. It is quiet, ceremonial, and deeply human — a rare cultural experience for visitors to Japan.
That last moment formally closes the wrestler’s career. It is quiet, ceremonial, and deeply human — a rare cultural experience for visitors to Japan.
Tickets & pricing
Choose your seat for a rare afternoon
at the Kokugikan
Choose your seat for a rare afternoon
at the Kokugikan
Choose your seat for a rare afternoon at the Kokugikan
English-friendly booking support and group enquiries are available.
English-friendly booking support and group enquiries are available.
Box B/C Seats
Box B/C Seats
¥ 20,000
¥ 20,000
Standard plan
Participation in venue activities
Sold on a first come first serve basis, if B seats sell out then C seats will be used
Standard plan
Participation in venue activities
Sold on a first come first serve basis, if B seats sell out then C seats will be used
Box S/A Seats
Box S/A Seats
¥ 30,000
¥ 30,000
Closest view
Participation in venue activities
Original Sumo goods
Sold on a first come first serve basis, if S seats sell out then A seats will be used
Closest view
Participation in venue activities
Original Sumo goods
Sold on a first come first serve basis, if S seats sell out then A seats will be used
Danpatsu Participant Package
Danpatsu Participant Package
¥ 100,000
¥ 100,000
Participate in the ceremonial hair-cutting
Reserved S Seat - closest view
Participation in venue activities
Original Sumo goods
Participate in the ceremonial hair-cutting
Reserved S Seat - closest view
Participation in venue activities
Original Sumo goods
How Seating Works
How Seating Works
How Seating Works
The seating map below shows the approximate location of each ticket category.
The seating map below shows the approximate location of each ticket category.
S/A Seats: Located closest to the dohyo, offering the best views.
B/C Seats: Positioned slightly farther from the ring while still providing an excellent overall view.
S/A Seats: Located closest to the dohyo, offering the best views.
B/C Seats: Positioned slightly farther from the ring while still providing an excellent overall view.
Seat Assignment
Seats are assigned in the order bookings are received.
S seats will be allocated first, followed by A seats.
B seats will be allocated first, followed by C seats.
Please note that the seating map is for reference only and actual seat locations may vary slightly.
Seat Assignment
Seats are assigned in the order bookings are received.
S seats will be allocated first, followed by A seats.
B seats will be allocated first, followed by C seats.
Please note that the seating map is for reference only and actual seat locations may vary slightly.
Seat Assignment
Seats are assigned in the order bookings are received.
S seats will be allocated first, followed by A seats.
B seats will be allocated first, followed by C seats.
Please note that the seating map is for reference only and actual seat locations may vary slightly.
More details
Get tickets