The Royal Albert Hall is set to host the Grand Sumo Tournament this week, marking only the second time a full competition has been held overseas. Forty wrestlers, weighing a combined six tons, have flown in from Japan for the event, necessitating significant logistical adjustments. The venue has sourced new chairs capable of supporting up to 200kg, reinforced toilets, and taken out special insurance for ringside cushions.
Director of programming Matthew Todd described the preparations as 'an entirely different kettle of fish' from the hall's usual programming. The venue has been converted into a sumo dohyō, featuring a five-metre-wide clay ring and a purpose-built six-ton wooden roof. The event, originally planned for the hall's 150th anniversary in 2021, was delayed by the pandemic.
The tournament is the brainchild of promoter Martin Campbell-White and Hakkaku Rijicho, chairman of the Japan Sumo Association and winner of the 1991 London tournament. Hakkaku, who still recites his victory speech from that event, noted his fondness for London, particularly its left-hand driving. The Sumo Association brought their own support staff, straw for bales, and even empty beer bottles used as tools.
For most wrestlers, this is their first visit to England. Between training, sleeping, and media engagements, they have been exploring London. The hotel provided them with Japanese-language maps to aid navigation.
