The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA brings a dynamic introductory experience of this traditional form of Japanese wrestling in all its glory to the Fringe in a superbly entertaining hour performance. After a brief history of sumo, its traditions and rules, the three wrestlers participate in a mini tournament then audience members can take on their choice of wrestler to test their own sumo skills in the dohyō (the sumo ring).

Sumo is Japan’s national sport and has a history dating back for many centuries, being first mentioned in Japanese literature in 712. Over this time, it has developed many traditions, some of which are taught with the help of the wrestlers in the performance. There is the shiko, which is the lifting of the wrestler’s legs high and stomping down to build lower-body strength, balance, and hip flexibility. Also, the suriashi or sliding movement and footwork, the makade or the centipede sliding feet movement, and the chirichōzu ritual of squats, clapping of hands, rubbing and showing palms to signify they are unarmed and to symbolise fair play, honor, and purification. Also demonstrated hilariously by the largest wrestler (Toma) is the matawari whereby the wrestler sits in the side splits and lowers their body until their chest and stomach touches the canvas.

The three wrestlers, Waka, Matshu and Toma (all former professional sumo wrestlers) are the authentic large builds the audience would expect and their fighting skills are excellent as they marvelously bring the explosive energy and athleticism to their matches as well as providing charm and humor to the production.  The MC also does a formidable job in educating the audience, translating Japanese to English and general cheerleading as she builds the excitement of the show. Well done also to the locals who bravely decided to fight Waka, Matshu and Toma in the dohyō. Audience members can also get photos with the wrestlers as they leave.

This season of The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA at The Garden of Unearthly Delights is the first time the production has been brought outside of Japan where it is performed in Namba Osaka and Ginzo Tokyo as a dinner theatre piece.

The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA is a glorious display of the power and force of sumo as well as providing a cultural insight into its traditions and rules all done so in a highly enjoyable, funny and interesting manner which is absolutely unmissable.