before the start of the day's action
Maezumo
Brand new recruits step up onto the dohyo or ring for the first time in a test competition call "maezumo". Starting from the third day of a Grand Sumo Tournament (quite often the March Grand Sumo Tournament would see this start on the second day), trainees who complete this process earn the right to have their names appear on the "banzuke" or official listing of rank from the next tournament.
8:30 AM~ Jonokuchi-Makushita Matches
The banzuke is divided into six separate divisions with the bottom four competing for seven out of the fifteen days of each tournament. On any given day, approximately half of the men in these four "trainee" divisions compete, beginning with the very lowest Jonokuchi Division.
* 1st day: 8:20 AM~, from 13th day: about 10:00 AM~
2:30 PM The Juryo Division Ring Entering Ceremony
* 1st day: 2:20 PM
3:00 PM~ Juryo Division Matches
A rikishi, or competitor in professional sumo, graduates from trainee status upon promotion to the Juryo Division. From this rank he receives a wide variety of privileges and entitlements, including the right to wear a ceremonial apron during the ring entering ceremony, or dohyo-iri, as well as the right to wear his hair in the more formal oicho style. This division marks the start of the true professional ranks and the power, technique and speed these men bring to the game are dramatically different from the lower ranks.
3:30 PM Opening/Closing Address
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This particular ceremony is limited to the opening and closing day of each tournament. In it the chairman of the Nihon Sumo Kyokai, professional sumo's governing body, steps up onto the ring accompanied by the very highest ranked rikishi competing. Along with a brief observation concerning the tournament in question, the chairman also thanks the crowd for its support. The ceremony ends with him leading a bow of gratitude and respect to each side of the arena. |
Naka-iri
This is the term used to refer to the break that comes between the Juryo and top, Makuuchi Division matches. During this period the Makuuchi rikishi perform their own ring entering ceremony. This is followed by the yokozuna ring entering ceremony and, if time allows, a formal announcement of the following day's matches.
3:50 PM Makuuchi Ring Entering Ceremony * 1st day: 3:40 PM
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The movements performed by the rikishi during their ring entering ceremony are a stylized version of the movements done by individual rikishi before they actually compete. Rikishi ranked on the east side of the banzuke, or official listing of rank, perform first on odd numbered tournament days while rikishi ranked on the west side perform first on even numbered days. |
4:00 PM The Yokozuna Ring Entering Ceremony
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One of the high points of any tournament day, the yokozuna dohyo-iri or ring entering ceremony is performed with a combination of dignity and strength by each competing yokozuna. Flanked by his sword bearer on the right and his usher on the left, the yokozuna goes through a series of motions rich in both tradition and meaning. |
4:10~ Makuuchi Division Matches
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Every tournament day for a total of fifteen days sumo's elite, the men of the Makuuchi Division, put on a demonstration of sumo at its very best as they compete for the sport's ultimate prize and the symbol of a top division championship; The Emperor's Cup. |
5:15 Sanyaku Soroifumi
This ceremony is one of several that take place only on the fifteenth and final day of every tournament. In it, the top three rikishi from both the east and west sides scheduled to compete in the last three matches of the day step up onto the ring and position themselves in the shape of a Japanese fan. They then perform shiko or traditional sumo foot stamping. This serves to further purify the ring for the coming ultimate competition.
6:00 The Bow Ceremony
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Following the last match of every day a specially designated rikishi from the Makushita Division steps up onto the ring, receives a bow from a gyoji or referee and performs the colorful Bow Ceremony. Several centuries old, this ceremony serves to symbolize the gratitude felt by the day's victors. |
The Awards Ceremony
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Following the last match on the last day of action, the Makuuchi Division champion receives a variety of awards and trophies in honor of his victory; the most prestigious being the coveted Emperor's Cup. Once this part of the ceremony is completed the three Special Prizes - the Outstanding Performance Award, Fighting Spirit Prize and Technique Prize - are given out to those top division rikishi ranked below ozeki who have had a particularly outstanding tournament. |
* Time table will vary slightly between venues. |
