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Sumō rules and rituals are explained in English. (© Nippon.com)
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Spectators are allowed to give high-fives and pose for photos with wrestlers even during performances. There is also plenty of time afterwards for meet-and-greets. (© Nippon.com)
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Rakugo storyteller Katsura Fukuryū starts the show with a humorous performance. (© Nippon.com)
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The ultimate splits, with legs splayed 180° and flat on the floor. (© Nippon.com)
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A humorous demonstration of “no punching” and other moves that are against the rules. (© Nippon.com)
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The thud of massive rikishi colliding at face-off is an exciting element of the performance. (© Nippon.com)
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Women can also get thrown around in the ring; the padded sumō suit gives some protection. (© Nippon.com)
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An audience member posing in the ring after the match. (© Nippon.com)
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The awe-inspiring rikishi in the “Sumō Chronicles” sound and light performance. (© Nippon.com)
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Tashiro Yoshinori, who has appeared in films like John Wick: Chapter 4. (© Nippon.com)
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Popular top-ranking rikishi Ura took in a performance at Hirakuza after the Osaka tournament. He is reportedly happy that sumō is gaining popularity among foreign audiences. (Courtesy Hirakuza)
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Boxed meals available at Hirakuza from top left: Hirakuza (makunouchi), halal, premium, and vegan. (© Nippon.com)
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The gift shop is open to the public from 11 am. Tenugui hand towels showing various winning moves are a popular item. (© Nippon.com)
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The venue, inside a shopping mall in the Minami entertainment district, is easily accessible by public transportation. (© Nippon.com)
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