The January TournamentDay 10

When

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Tuesday 18 Jan 2028

Set Reminder

All day event

Where

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Ryogoku Kokugikan • 

Sumida City, JapanShow on map

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The January Tournament, known in Japanese as Hatsu Basho, is the first of Japan’s six annual professional sumo wrestling tournaments and a major event on the sport’s calendar. Held over 15 days in January, it brings together ranked wrestlers, or rikishi, from across the professional divisions, including the elite makuuchi division. Rather than competing as teams, wrestlers face individual opponents, with bouts and rankings shaping the race for the championship. The tournament is traditionally staged at Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo’s landmark indoor sumo arena, where spectators can experience traditional ceremonies alongside powerful, fast-paced matches. Each wrestler aims to finish with the strongest record, while top-ranked competitors such as yokozuna and ozeki face intense scrutiny throughout the event. Daily schedules feature bouts across multiple divisions, building toward the final day, when the tournament champion is determined and special prizes may also be awarded. For fans following sumo results, wrestler rankings, match schedules, or Japanese sports culture, the January Tournament offers an informative introduction to the rules, rivalries, and traditions of professional sumo. It is also commonly called the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.