Students Experience Sumo: A Cultural Immersion Courtesy of the Chancellor’s Office

The Chancellor's Office offered four lucky students the chance to attend a traditional Japanese sumo tournament in Nagoya on July 21, 2025. The tickets were distributed through a lottery drawing, and afterward, the winners shared the following reflections:
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"On July 21st, I experienced my very first sumo tournament, and honestly, I still can’t believe how fun it was. The whole event took place at IG Arena in Nagoya, and the atmosphere was unlike anything I’ve been to before. The arena was big, and everything was well organized by the staff, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

I went with three friends, Moira, Emilie, and Daniele, and we were lucky to get really good seats. We sat in a box seat for four, which was tiny but very traditional, with cushions on the floor. It wasn’t the most spacious setup, but it felt authentic, and we honestly felt privileged to have those seats. We arrived at 12 PM and stayed until 6 PM, but the time absolutely flew by.

There were so many people, and the crowd was completely involved. Everyone was cheering, shouting names, reacting to every single move in the ring. And yeah, we definitely joined in! Even though it was our first time, we found ourselves shouting along with everyone else. It was awesome!
The best part? The matches were actually being recorded for Japanese TV, which made everything feel that much more exciting and legit.

The sumo wrestlers, or rikishi, were powerful, focused, and honestly just so impressive to watch. Each one had a distinct presence. Some were towering and intimidating, while others were more compact but incredibly explosive. Watching the rituals, the stare-downs, and the dramatic throws live was thrilling. You could feel the centuries of tradition behind every gesture. And the roof hanging over the ring gave the whole setup this sacred, theatrical vibe.
If you ever get the chance to see sumo in Japan, go! Even if you know nothing about it, even if you’re just curious, it’s an experience you won’t forget."

"Thanks to NUCB, we had the unique opportunity to attend a sumo tournament in Nagoya. Having watched sumo with my grandmother growing up, seeing it live was truly unforgettable. I realized how brief the matches can be, while the preparation, filled with ritual and tension, builds the excitement and adrenaline. We got to experience the rhythm, respect, and intensity that define this sport. Cheering with fellow students made the experience even more powerful. It was a memorable insight into Japanese culture, thank you!"

"Attending the sumo tournament in Nagoya was a truly unique and memorable experience. The atmosphere inside the arena was both exciting and respectful, with the audience deeply engaged in the matches. I appreciated how well-organized the event was, making it easy also for foreigners to attend, from the clear seating arrangements to the smooth entry process.

Me and the other 3 lucky winners of the tickets for the tournament joined the matches category starting in the afternoon, and they were impressive, making me understand the tradition, and strength behind sumo. I especially enjoyed the rituals and the way tradition was preserved throughout the event, which made it feel both cultural and sporting at the same time.
To finish, I am really grateful for NUCB to gave me this opportunity and sharing it with my friends from university."

"On Monday, July 21, we arrived at the sumo arena in Nagoya. The main hall was very impressive: there were still many empty seats, all facing the rather small arena where two sumo wrestlers were facing each other. The central arena itself was very beautiful, decorated with dye, and the floor was covered with sand. It was quite impressive, even from a distance.

We sat in our seats, a reserved section in front of the stage with cushions instead of chairs. We had a really good view of the arena. Around us, the other spectators had come prepared with food and drinks. I saw several women wearing kimonos to watch the matches.

We reached the arena at the end of the matches involving the “amateur” participants, but I was still very impressed by the routine that each of the fighters had. They lifted one leg then the other to strike the ground, their bodies turned toward the audience, then slapped their legs to warm up, while a man in the center of the arena announced their names and the cities they came from. When the fight began, the sumo wrestlers bowed then threw themselves at each other like a silent agreement. I was surprised to see that the fights lasted no more than a few seconds, at most a minute.

Around 2 p.m., the room quickly filled up and we realized that the “strongest” sumo wrestlers were about to arrive. But before that, the match judges took the stage and greeted the crowd. When the outcome of a match is unclear, these men usually enter the arena, form a circle at the center, and decide on the winner. Once they left, the sumo wrestlers came to the stage. Each of them was called up and they stood in a circle on the stage, wearing their stable's colors around their waists. It was a truly impressive sight. After this presentation, the “champion” entered the stage accompanied by two other fighters and performed a quick ritual. A quick internet search taught us that this man was chosen by a vote of all the sumo wrestlers and was the one who best represented the spirit and values of the sport. We were surprised to see that it wasn't simply the strongest man.

After this performance, the matches resumed. We immediately noticed the difference in level compared to the previous ones. One of the matches even lasted more than two minutes, which seemed really rare. Another custom surprised me at this level: the winner of the fight receives the prize money directly on stage, handed over in cash by the judge.

I also liked the atmosphere of the crowd. The Japanese shouted the names of their favorite sumo wrestlers before the start of the match, and we joined in a little by choosing our favorite wrestler before the start of the match. We had a sheet describing the number of wins and losses for each sumo wrestler to help us choose. In contrast, during the matches themselves, the arena was completely silent.

At the end of the day, the matches ended with the champion's match (which he won) and another ceremony by him to close the event. This time, he had a bow in his hand and performed a short dance. The entire event was a fabulous discovery for me, and I felt great admiration for these fighters and understood how the Japanese are so attached to this sport."

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The reflections from our four student participants highlight just how powerful cultural immersion can be, whether it’s discovering the traditions behind a centuries-old sport, sharing the excitement with friends, or experiencing Japanese culture firsthand. Opportunities like this, made possible by the Chancellor’s Office, create lasting memories that extend far beyond the classroom. We look forward to continuing to provide students with unique chances to connect with Japan’s rich heritage and broaden their global perspectives.

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more stories on the adventures of our students.