LONDON—Japanese and British craftspeople put the finishing touches on a dohyo ring at the world-renowned Royal Albert Hall on Oct. 13 for the first professional sumo performance in London in 34 years.
They had to use British soil similar to that used in official tournaments held in Japan.
The five-day special sumo performance, including professional matches, is scheduled to kick off on the night of Oct. 15.
Onosato and Hoshoryu, who hold the sport’s highest rank of yokozuna, are two of the top-division makuuchi wrestlers taking part.
Matthew Todd, program director at the Royal Albert Hall, said he had hoped to host the event in 2021 to coincide with the venue’s 150th anniversary, but he had to postpone it due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Todd said he is now “super excited” to see it finally take place.
Replay screens and headphones for live commentary are some of the ways the venue hopes to enhance the spectators’ experience.
The “tsuriyane” suspended roof is already in place overhead, as well as a prominent banner reading “Sold Out.”
According to the Royal Albert Hall, thorough checks were made to ensure restrooms can withstand the weight of the sumo wrestlers.
Preparations for their dietary needs are also extensive, including 400 bottles of soy sauce, 700 kilograms of rice, 1,000 packets of instant miso soup, 750 servings of instant noodles, and 1,050 onigiri rice balls.
The previous London tour in 1991 was also held at the Royal Albert Hall, where yokozuna Hokutoumi, now Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hakkaku, won the tournament a year before his retirement.
Large posters of the two current yokozuna facing off graced subway stations to advertise this year’s event. Tickets quickly sold out, even after additional seating was added.
Original Source: This article was originally published on Asahi Sports. Click the link to view the full article.