Sumo and Sushi

Sumo+Sushi, What to Expect and What Not To Expect — And a little about the “both hands down” thing.

Andy Sumo and Sushi, Sumo Entertainment ,

Tachiai Reader Andrew (no relation) asked a great question so I thought I would share. As I was writing, I figured more of you all are really here with the same question. Also, my answer was rather long-winded for the comment section.

Question:

So I’ve been curious since seeing the ads. You sumo diehards and mega fans who have been to real basho’s and tour events have found the show worthwhile attending? It’s billed as an introduction to the sport and I’ve seen some pretty mediocre reviews. I trust your opinions. What’s the skinny?

I must preface my response that I can only speak based on my experience at two events, both here in DC.

Response:

These Sumo+Sushi events are akin to a Jungyo event, with a bit of food, some booze, and…Konishiki. Konishiki seems to be really focused on spreading the word about and promoting sumo, expanding the fan base of the sport. Like you said, it’s a show. If you’re there for a full-blown fight-night, that’s not going to happen. If you want a lecture about the finer points of oshi-/tsuki- techniques, or a hand-on demonstration of putting on a mawashi, you will not get it. But, there are several reasons that I like to go.

Konishiki

The first point, and the prime point for me is that this event is not only sponsored by Konishiki, the man is there as your host. He’s one of the greatest sumo wrestlers, period. Certainly one of the great foreign wrestlers. His arrival in Makuuchi sent shockwaves through the division.

Commenters were debating The Great Tachiai Reforms of 1984, recently. To jog your memories, this reform was when the wrestlers were assembled at Kuramae Kokugikan and told that the Kyokai would be cracking down and enforcing the “both-hands-down” rule. In my research of the reforms, I found this great video on YouTube of an interview with Sadanoyama (at the time he was Dewanoumi-oyakata) where he tries to describe the rationale behind why they were enforcing the rule. They also show clips from the meeting. At 0:58 you see this young mug:

Konishiki. For folks who are getting into sumo for the first time or even if you have been into it for a while, it might be difficult to think of the 60-some year-old guy with multi-colored hair being The Machine that put the hurt on Chiyonofuji. To put it in his own words, “I was a monster.” But here he was…a maegashira at Aki 1984 when they implemented this pivotal reform that we’re still debating today. Frankly, I think he is the reason they implemented the reform at that time. He swept through that tournament, picking up two kinboshi and two special prizes on his way to a jun-yusho.

The man lived sumo and fought against many of the greats. There are not many opportunities to meet the man, or to ask him questions. Sumo+Sushi is one of those chances. I will have another post that goes into this in more depth, but I am still working on it.

Sumo-Related Event

Secondly, it’s great to have any sumo-related event to go to. Where else are you going to meet other people who share this rather unique interest? Justin (aka Hochiyama) and I are keen to sit and chat about sumo (among other things) over butter chicken. Give us some yakitori and sake and we will probably spend an hour debating that “hands-down” rule. We have talked about how we wish there was more detail but the show was a bit different each time and Konishiki’s personal account is definitely compelling.

In our neighborhood, we have access to concerts and plays and sports events and bars and pokemon tournament venues — all within a few minutes of our house — but sumo-related events are rare.

In The Ring

The first year, I treated myself for my birthday to the VIP experience to avoid waiting and lines. I also splurged for the “get-in-the-ring” option. Frankly, to this day I think I lucked out and got a unique experience with that. I’ve watched a dozen people hop up onto the dais and be subsequently ushered out or tipped over with white-glove service. My ass got thrown. It was freaking awesome and the only analog I have is the baby from the sitcom Dinosaurs (1990s) who would get hit or thrown somewhere and bounce back shouting, “Again!” Once I checked to make sure I hadn’t broken anything or pissed my pants, I realized that getting thrown through the air like that was crazier than any roller coaster I have ever been on. Period.

Anyway, I think management freaked out and were like, we can’t be killing people. Everyone else seems to get kid-gloves treatment. Regardless, I opted not to get into the ring last year. Tooyama was not there and I would have totally signed up to meet him again, even if it takes my record to 0-2. When they come back to DC, I will be getting back in the ring again. That’s for sure. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to grapple with an actual sumo wrestler. In my humble opinion, it’s the highlight of the night.

Lessons Learned

As I’ve grown older, I have to say that for the most part, life and success is largely about managing expectations. I hope this post helps people level-set some of their expectations. If you do decide to go, you will hopefully have a great night out. Thanks to commenters like kukufuji, we know a third option: go to the event as staff. As an introvert, that’s not really going to be my first option but, paradoxically, it also feels like the kind of event that I need to bring some friends to…and friends who are game. If someone is not into it, it might put a damper on the whole evening.

Local experience seems to vary because the Sumo+Sushi management work with local production companies to get a venue and local restaurants/caterers for the food. Sometimes details are still unknown in the run-up to the event and that can be frustrating.

Takara 14 absolutely blew us away at our first event. Table-side Hand-made sushi was advertised for the VIP experience and they delivered. My wife and I are pretty picky about the quality and we were bowled over. They provided table service and excellent sushi, made-to-order. When we were finished with our courses, we got more of the options we liked. We were both quite full and happy that night. Sumo+Sushi got a different company to provide food last year and it was not anywhere near as good. It was pre-made and put into boats and we had to line up to pick up whatever edamame or maki rolls were still available.

What I Wish Were There

I think it would be awesome if you got your own mawashi as a part of the “get in the ring” experience. They probably won’t do it because people will buy the package and expect a free silk shimekomi when I’d be happy with an amateur canvas or lower-division cotton mawashi. But if we could get a mawashi, a demonstration of how to put one on would be rather engaging. (Even fully clothed!) The guys from one of the sumo clubs in NYC brought their own mawashi and got in the ring. They seemed to love the experience and they remarked (via DMs in Instagram) how they got pointers from Konishiki on how to do shiko and some of the exercises which really went beyond what I experienced.

Justin and I have both talked about how we wish there was more of a deep dive into sumo, rather than the introductory content that is provided. But not everyone will be game for a discussion of esoteric stuff or random trivia. It seems properly targeted as an intro to sumo as a good night out. If Hakuho or Ichinojo have better ideas, I’m all ears and I’m ready to buy my ticket. For the more “hands on” experience, some folks might like to go to their local martial arts venue and dish out kachiage but that has not appealed to me, yet. I kind of like having my original teeth. I’m proud that I’ve never broken a bone, aside from that time I cracked my ring finger playing golf. But seriously, we know the pros get next to zero help getting into the big wheelchair but I really expect much better here in the States, especially if I’m forking out money for a night out.

TL;DR

Konishiki is an expert guide and he brings an experienced crew. There are not a lot of chances for sumo-related entertainment, much less to actually meet people around you who like sumo. The food will be edible and the drinks will have alcohol, if you choose, but mileage may vary. You’re probably going to leave without injury, which is less certain if you’d rather show up at your local fight club.

Sumo and Sushi DC, Year Two (Part II)

Andy Japanese Culture ,

Justin and Andy were able to experience Konishiki’s Sumo and Sushi event for the second summer in a row. Justin’s write-up about his experience is here. Andy’s review of last year is here. This post is Andy’s experience from this year.

Andy’s VIP Experience

My wife and I had the pleasure of going to Sumo and Sushi again this year (2024). Frankly, my wife was skeptical of it last year but we had such a great time AND we were able to meet Justin and Heather, so it was a no-brainer to go again this year. Though, regretfully, I did not repeat my “in-the-ring” experience.

The Venue

The venue this year was the DC Armory which is very convenient to the DC Metrorail System. If you’re not familiar with DC or the Armory, you may remember the old RFK Stadium where the Redskins used to play during the hayday of the Hogettes. The Armory is across the street and basically right at the Stadium-Armory Metro stop. My wife and I were shocked that it only cost us $2 each way to get there from Bethesda. Usually during the weekday it would be quite a bit more expensive. Last year, the venue was nowhere near Metro so we drove…and paid about $30 to park. The free weekend parking at the Metro Station and cheap Metro rides were greatly appreciated.

Each time Konishiki’s crew is in town it has been around my birthday, so I treat the two of us to the VIP upgrades so we can avoid the lines. And believe me when I say there are lines. When you get to the venue, there is a line to get in. And when you are inside there are lines at the bar and merch stand. Since seating for each section is “first-come, first-serve” it is important to get in early to claim the best seats.

Doors open an hour before the show and the VIP entrance meant that my chronically late butt was able to avoid the line, get inside and have a great seat with no hassle. While we haven’t gotten the best VIP seats — like right in the middle — even the not-so-great VIP seats are still pretty good. We do not have some tall person’s head in the way, we’re not tucked away in a corner, food and drink are a few steps away. Last year, the VIP section felt a little cramped but there was a lot more space this year. The Armory was a lot bigger to accommodate a crowd that seemed easily two or three times as large as the audience in 2023. But I do concede that the VIP section is too far away from the dohyo for my phone to get the same amazing pictures Justin got from the Front Row. I think I will be doing the Front Row experience next year.

The Show

The show was broken into three “Blocks”: an introduction to sumo and the exercises and training, a more detailed description of rules, tactics and strategy, and lastly the exhibition bouts. As Justin said in his review, this year there was more of a focus on sumo and less on Konishiki’s personal back story. This allowed Konishiki to go into a bit more depth and explain more advanced kimarite.

There is so much material left to cover that Justin’s idea of a more advanced, “expert” session could be interesting. The roles of the yobidashi, gyoji, and shimpan are never really explained so maybe there is some room there? Konishiki made a couple of jokes about how the guys loved Five Guys burgers so my wife had the idea that having actual kensho-kin on the bouts would be a good addition and might make the bouts more competitive. They’re exhibition bouts and it would be really bad news if one of the guys got hurt. It’s not like Konishiki can call someone up from Juryo if Otani has to go kyujo. But it would be a good way to demonstrate what is going on in the ring.

The first two blocks were a bit of a lecture where the crowd was kind of just watching the demonstrations and listening to Konishiki. The crowd really got into the bouts. As far as the exhibition bouts go, Justin is right that it seemed to have more structure last year. Then, the bouts were a bit of a round-robin tournament. This year, they just seemed to be randomly taking turns and alternating between winning and losing. Not a big deal at all. It was just a little odd that “Osaka Joe” was declared the winner rather suddenly.

The interactive portion of the show was what really got the crowd going, though. The MC called several folks forward who had paid for the “Get in the Ring” option. Each participant got a big hand and a lot of support from the crowd. I would really encourage folks to go up and get in the ring. It was an amazing experience last year. I really wish I had done it this year, too. Maybe next year I will bring my own mawashi like the guys from the NYC Sumo Club. If you do not get in the ring, you are missing out. It is that simple.

How do you get into baseball? Watching a game, or by picking up a bat and ball? I say the latter. How do you get into football? Watching commercials during the Superbowl, or by tackling your brother-in-law at Thanksgiving? I say the latter. How do you get into sumo? Watching Higohikari get steamrolled each tournament, or by stepping onto a dohyo and getting thrown by Tooyama? I say the latter.

The Food

Since the event is called, Sumo and Sushi, I would be remiss if I skipped over the food. Last year, my wife and I were really impressed by Takara 14 because they did a great job — they actually had a real sushi chef making fantastic sushi to order. Also, the VIP section had table service last year. But this year, the food in the VIP section was really disappointing and we had to line up to pick from what was available, which was of poor quality and ran out quickly. If I had known, I would have opted for the Front Row with the “Love, Makoto” bento in a heartbeat since that restaurant is at the top of our regular rotation. That will probably be our option for next year.

One Suggestion for Next Year

I have already said that I will bring a mawashi next time. But frankly, I think that they should give a genuine mawashi to the folks who sign up for the “Get in the Ring” option. The crew could even work it into the routine by demonstrating how to put it on. If it was a genuine article, that would be a hell of a souvenir. If they offer a legit white practice mawashi like what is worn by sekitori to the folks who sign up for the VIP section, I will be the first one buying VIP tickets next year…especially if I can get some signatures on there.

Sumo And Sushi DC, Year Two

hochiyama Japanese Culture ,

Andy and Justin attended Konishiki’s Sumo And Sushi event for the second year in a row. We are splitting our reviews into two posts, one from Justin, one from Andy.

Justin’s Front Row Experience

I attended Washington DC Sumo and Sushi last night and had a fabulous experience.  There were two things I changed from last year that I think helped elevate my enjoyment. 

First, I got the front row seating plan. Last year, I just got the “Sushi and the Show, which did not include the front row seats.  The front row seats were fantastic. Not only did I get a better view of the sumo – but I was able to interact with the wrestlers (lock eyes, give thumbs up, cheer to support them, etc.).  Stoic as the wrestlers are, they still react when they hear their old ring names (not their American friendly nicknames).  When they were first introduced and I flashed them the rally towels, their reactions were of shock, surprise, and delight. 

The front row also offered a higher quality bento, plus one free drink.  They did not skimp on the sake.  The bento was from “Love, Makoto” and had a premium piece of fatty tuna in the sushi, as well as a good mix of seaweed salad with seared tuna, other nigiri and rolls, karaage, and shrimp tempura.  It was a major upgrade from last year’s provider (who was not so memorable that I cannot even recall the name). 

The seats were great, the food was excellent, and the sake helped make the ticket selection a major upgrade from last year’s experience.  The Front Row package also included a picture with the wrestlers afterwards, something I did not get to experience last year.

The other thing I changed from last year was that I did not purchase a “get in the ring experience”.  I am a little sad not to have done this again – but I have lost 45 pounds since then and want to retire with an unblemished career record.  So, instead of being on the stage – I brought some fire to the stage.  I made rally towels with the individual wrestler’s shikona and waved them around whenever they were on the dohyo.  They were a bit surprised, honored, and humbled to see this and to hear me cheering for them. Being in the front row and seeing their reactions gave me a more personal interaction with the troupe than other spectators. 

At the photo opportunity, I presented them with the rally towels as a little gift of my appreciation.  You can see from the photos that they did really appreciate this little boring token (tsumaranai mono desu kedo…).  I asked about Sawada’s recovery, and they were shocked to get the question and said that he was “Ganbarizing” in his recovery.  The Sumo and Sushi staff at the photo op said that nobody ever gave the sumotori a gift before!  The bottom line is that you can get close to the Sumo Experience if you just put yourself out there and do something unique.  

Looking Ahead

When they come back to DC, I will go again and will be doing the Front Row experience.  If Sawada/Chiyonoshin/Enya can make a recovery – I would love to challenge him in the ring again. I would gladly do what it takes to see him healthy enough to get back on the dohyo!

One difference in the show from last year is that Konishiki, who was kind enough to sign the rally towel I made with his shikona, spoke more about sumo in general as opposed to his personal experience as a young man with the sport.  While it was interesting not to hear the same stories twice, I believe the sumo newbies actually got more from the personal stories.

It was easier to empathize with him last year – as a child who got a strange opportunity to go to Japan and then had to adjust to a completely different way of life – with the brutal training techniques and schedule.  It was more clear to the audience to see the matawari (splits) and hear from Konishiki about his first mornings in the stable when he was made to do these exercises.  People could empathize with the pain he had to endure before achieving his success.  I think that he spoke more to the American crowd last year than this year.  

If I were to recommend one other change for the organizers, it would be to make one of the showings an “expert” show – for people more familiar with sumo – one where the sumotori could also talk about themselves and their challenges and experiences – one with more demonstrations of kimarite, and a more structured elimination tournament to determine the session’s champion – either round robin or tomoesen.  I recall that they seemed to have a more structured format last year – this year they just seemed to be taking turns until the time for the session was up and whoever won the fight was the night’s champ.

Sumo News Update 2024.06.17

Andy Japanese Culture , , , , ,

There were a couple of items on the sumo calendar over the past week. The first item was the Kickoff of Konishiki’s Sumo+Sushi tour in the United States! He hosted several shows over the weekend in New York City and will stay there for next weekend as well. Due to the success, several shows have been added there, next weekend. From NYC, the troupe will head down to DC for shows June 28-30, Nashville on July 12-14 and up to Chicago on July 19-21. Click here to re-read my rundown of last year’s experience. Getting up on the dohyo was absolutely amazing, as was my sudden barrel roll across it. I was probably very lucky their dais was not made of Arakita clay.

Some of you may be questioning whether this is news worthy. Well, aside from the fact that Konishiki is bringing a sumo experience to the States, this event includes real sumo wrestlers. To me, that is news worthy of itself. While the participation of former Makuuchi wrestlers Takagenji and Daikiho’s was announced ahead of time, Otani’s role was a surprise. He may have been a last-minute stand-in for Chiyonoshin but others from last year’s crew (including Tooyama) are not on this tour. Thanks to Chanko_Mattun on Twitter for the screen grab above because Otani’s appearance over here seems to have made the news over there, too.

And back in Japan, the Kyokai participated in another PR event. In last week’s update, we saw the Fukuoka PR event. This time, five wrestlers (Atamifuji, Midorifuji, Abi, Onosato, and Tobizaru) traveled over to Nagoya for a Sports-themed expo of sorts. Watch the entire two-hour show here on the Kyokai’s YouTube channel.

This event was shared with the Dolphins basketball team. I kind of think a chance was missed here for a three-on-three tournament with the fans or h-o-r-s-e with the pros. If you ever watch a sumo “match day” from the start, you will recognize the Radio Taiso routine here. There was a bit of a shoot-around but the big event was the dance off that featured Atamifuji and Midorifuji busting a move…without music. The video here doesn’t have rights to the music, so you don’t hear the music here. Wow, the Kyokai takes this rights stuff seriously, no?