Sumo Tournament

Today I got to check off one of my "must-do's" in Japan... I went to my first Sumo Tournament!  I didn't know what to expect except to see lots of really big guys wrestling, but I must say, it was pretty exciting!  It was full of rituals, traditions, cheering crowds, and souvenirs.  My friend, Christine, and I had a great time and did a TON of giggling! :) Here are a few pictures from today's fun tournament!

Warming up before the tournament begins

Christine and I inside the Sumo arena

The Sumo wrestlers parading in

Presentation of the wrestlers

Yay!!

Stretching before his big match

Bowing to each other

And here they go!

I don't really know who this was or what he was doing, but needless to say it was interesting!  Maybe it was the halftime entertainment!

With a sumo wrestler... doesn't he look thrilled to take his picture with me?!?!

During one match both of the guys stepped out of the ring at the same time, so the referees came into the ring to decide who the winner was.

Two cute little boys cheering for the wrestlers

This was interesting... these guys would come into the ring every once and awhile to parade around holding up banners from companies... it was like a commercial.

This guy did a little routine at the end of the tournament

It's hard to see, but this is outside after the tournament on top of the arena... there is a guy inside playing a drum.