The Grand Sumo Tournament on KIKU TV

For the first time in over 30 years, the prestigious Grand Sumo Tournament is returning outside of Japan to the Royal Albert Hall in London.

This historic five-day event will feature Japan’s top-ranked rikishi competing on a traditional dohyo, complete with authentic ceremonies and rituals. A total of 42 elite wrestlers are competing in this year’s tournament including top-ranked wrestlers like Onosato Daiki (Yokozuna), Hoshoryu Tomokatsu (Yokozuna), Kotozakura Masakatsu (Ozeki), Wakatakakage Atsushi (Sekiwake), Daieisho Hayato (Sekiwake), and more.

This event is an official tournament for the Championship.

Hawaii’s KIKU will bring this exclusive, cultural spectacle to Hawaii viewers, blending sports, tradition, and heritage.

Non-Stop Travel is proud to be a presenting sponsor of this event!

If you love the sport of sumo, be on the lookout for next year’s Fall Sumo Tournament Tours to Tokyo and Fukuoka!

What are the ranks for the top division (Makuuchi)?

What does “rikishi” mean?

In Japanese, rikishi (力士) is the word for a sumo wrestler. “Riki” means “strength, power” and “shi” means “man” or “warrior.” In sumo, lower-division wrestlers are called rikishi; those in the top two professional divisions (makuuchi and juryo) are sometimes called sekitori.

What prize does the champion receive?

The winner gets the Emperor’s Cup, cash prizes, and various trophies from sponsors — sometimes even a giant cup or supplies like rice or beef!

What is a Dohyō-iri

Dohyō-iri means “ring-entering ceremony.” It’s a traditional pre-match ritual performed by sumo wrestlers to purify the ring (dohyō) and show respect to the sport’s spiritual roots in Shinto.

Learn more about The Grand Sumo Tournament in London.

KIKU TV is Hawai‘i’s go-to station for multicultural programming, bringing back fan favorites in Japanese and Filipino shows along with local content that celebrates island life. Now part of the KITV family under Allen Media Group, KIKU broadcasts from Honolulu and continues its tradition of connecting Hawai‘i’s diverse communities through entertainment, culture, and stories people love to watch.