ABOUT SUMO! SUMO! SUMO!

People who know sumo. People who welcome you.

Operated by Backrub LLC, we bring travellers and sumo together through personally arranged training experiences in Tokyo and Osaka.

Plan your private experience

People who know sumo. People who welcome you.

Real people, shared questions and a private sumo experience.

A practical, welcoming approach

The experience combines cultural explanation and hands-on practice. We work with travel professionals and individual guests, using experienced instructors and English-speaking support. We have welcomed guests from more than 34 countries and regions.

The people behind your experience

Our team includes Toru Shimakura (operator and representative of Backrub LLC), interpreter Sitara Matsumoto, and sumo instructors with professional and competitive amateur experience. Your assigned team is confirmed for your booking.

Working on a sumo training drill with an instructor.

Competitive experience and specialist support

Sota Kohara has won consecutive Chiba Prefecture high-school sumo championships and placed third in the team division of the All-Japan Student Sumo Championships. So Miyaue provides sumo instruction in English and was runner-up in an All Japan Intercollegiate weight-class championship. Former Makushita wrestler Shinnosuke Takemasa competed as Genki and has national championship experience. Photographer Kyosuke Sata brings English-language and luxury-cruise photography experience.

For shows, productions and casting

Our specialist talent agency Sumo Man handles sumo shows, film and television, advertising, event appearances and related production enquiries. Visit Sumo Man for performer profiles and production projects.

OUR TRACK RECORD

Welcoming sumo guests from around the world.

Travel Agency & OTA Partners

We have worked with dozens of major travel agencies and online travel agencies (OTAs).

Travel agency and OTA logos: JTB, WILLER, GetYourGuide, Klook, Viator and Airbnb — JTB · WILLER · GetYourGuide · Klook · Viator · Airbnb

Countries and Regions

We have welcomed guests from more than 34 countries and regions.

World map showing where our guests have travelled from — Where our guests have travelled from.

Explore our guests’ home countries and regions

These include:

United States
Canada
France
United Kingdom
Mexico
Australia
Germany
Japan
India
Brazil
Taiwan
Italy
New Zealand
Poland
Singapore
South Africa
Spain
Argentina
Colombia
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Czech Republic
Dominican Republic
Greece
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Israel
Lithuania
Nepal
Norway
Réunion
Romania
Russia
Switzerland
Turkey

YOUR PRIVATE SUMO EXPERIENCE

The programme, step by step

From putting on a mawashi to stepping into the ring: discover the movements, rules and rituals of sumo with your instructors. No previous sumo experience is needed.

Allow around 90 minutes, including preparation and photographs.

Put on a mawashi

Your instructor helps you put on the traditional sumo belt and prepares you for the experience.
Warm up together

Begin with stretches and preparatory movements. Follow the instructor’s demonstrations at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Understand the rules

Learn the essentials of sumo’s history, how a bout is won, and the etiquette of the dohyo, the sumo ring.
Practise the fundamentals — keiko

Try the traditional movements that underpin sumo training. Your instructor explains and demonstrates each exercise.

Shiko
Lift and lower each leg, practising balance and the characteristic sumo leg stamp.

Koshiwari
Lower your hips into a wide sumo stance and practise controlling your posture.

Suriashi
Practise sliding footwork, keeping your feet close to the ground as you move.

Teppo
Learn the forward pushing movement and how the arms and feet work together.

Butsukari-geiko
Try controlled pushing practice when your instructor considers it appropriate, at an intensity suited to you.
Experience a bout — torikumi

Learn the sequence: bow, perform chirichozu, place both fists on the ground, begin the bout, and bow again. Explore the meaning of chirichozu and the kinjite, or prohibited techniques. The instructor adapts each guided bout to the participants.
Take commemorative photos

Finish with photos alongside the sumo wrestlers to remember your time in the ring.

This is a sample programme. Exercises, order and duration may change with the venue, group and conditions on the day. Contact drills and bouts are offered at the instructor’s discretion. You do not need to take part in every activity. Tell us about your group’s needs when enquiring.

An instructor helps a guest put on a mawashi.

Learning the koshiwari stance together on the dohyo.

A LOOK INSIDE THE EXPERIENCE

Take a look inside a session

Watch a sample session to get a feel for the atmosphere and hands-on experience. Your private programme can be adapted to your group, interests and venue.

This video is an example. Activities, instructors, venue and timings are confirmed for your own booking.

Watch on YouTube

THE PEOPLE BEHIND YOUR EXPERIENCE

Instructors & support team

Meet the sumo instructors, interpreter, photographer and organiser behind Sumo! Sumo! Sumo!

Toru Shimakura

Operator · Backrub LLC representative

Runs Sumo! Sumo! Sumo!
Representative of Backrub LLC.

Sitara Matsumoto

Interpreter · English-language support

Speaks English at a native level and has lived overseas.
Academic background at Sophia University.

Sota Kohara

Sumo instructor

Won the Chiba Prefecture High School Sumo Championship in two consecutive years.
Third place in the team division at the All-Japan Student Sumo Championships.
Competitive sumo background at Hosei University.

So Miyaue

Sumo instructor · English-language instruction

25 years of competitive sumo experience.
Provides professional sumo instruction in English.
Runner-up in the under-85 kg category at the All Japan Intercollegiate Sumo Weight-Class Championships.

Kyosuke Sata

Professional photographer

Professional photographer fluent in English.
Experience in high-end photography, including work on international luxury cruise liners.

Shinnosuke Takemasa

Sumo instructor · Former professional wrestler

Champion of the National Sports Festival of Japan, team division.
Champion of the All Japan Junior Sumo Championships.
Former professional wrestler in the Makushita division, competing under the ring name Genki.

Your session team is arranged according to the programme and availability. Please tell us about any instructor or language requests when you enquire.

AN OPTIONAL ADDITION TO YOUR PRIVATE SESSION

Train with a former sekitori.

Former sekitori — wrestlers who reached the Jūryō or Makuuchi divisions — can take part in your private training experience for an additional fee. Tell us your preferred wrestler, city and dates. We will check availability and confirm the arrangements in your proposal.

Hidenoumi 英乃海

Highest rank: Maegashira 6

A former Makuuchi wrestler from Kise stable and a Jūryō champion. His speciality is sumo with a right-hand inside grip and force-out techniques.

Profile on Sumo Man Enquire about training

Daishoho 大翔鵬

Highest rank: Maegashira 9

From Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, he trained at Oitekaze stable and competed in nine Makuuchi tournaments. His speciality is a right-hand inside grip and force-out techniques.

Profile on Sumo Man Enquire about training

Daikiho 大喜鵬

Highest rank: Maegashira 16

Formerly of Miyagino stable, Masahiro Yamaguchi reached the Makuuchi division. His experience also includes international sumo shows, television and film.

Profile on Sumo Man Enquire about training

Shiden 紫雷

Highest rank: Jūryō 2

A former Jūryō wrestler from Kise stable, known for a left-hand inside grip and force-out style. His approachable presence is well suited to demonstrations and guest participation.

Profile on Sumo Man Enquire about training

A requested wrestler is confirmed only after availability and the additional fee have been agreed. For sumo shows, media appearances or event casting, please contact Sumo Man. Shows and casting with Sumo Man

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Available every day of the week

Private sessions can be arranged on any day, including Mondays and weekends, subject to availability.

Standard start times · Japan time

10:00
13:30

If these times do not fit your itinerary, ask us about adjusting the start time.

Visiting the Tokyo area on a Monday?

The Heiwajima / Heiwanomori Park venue in Tokyo cannot be used on Mondays. Monday sessions can instead be arranged at one of the following locations:

Soka, Saitama
Kawasaki, Kanagawa
Ginza, Tokyo — additional fee applies

We check availability and confirm the venue and start time with you before booking.

AN EXPERIENCE THAT FITS YOUR GROUP

Choose an experience that suits your group.

Our sumo experiences began in 2020. The operating company, Backrub LLC, was established in August 2023.

From a small private party to a large group

Traditional ring · Recommended for up to 20 guests

For independent travellers and small groups, we recommend a real dohyo. At the Tokyo ring, groups of up to 30 may be accommodated by arrangement; the venue and participation plan must be confirmed.

Mat programme · Standard groups of 10–30

A mat programme offers flexibility for group itineraries. Larger groups require a separately arranged venue and instructor team.

Tokyo mat venues · Groups of 20–50

Venue options include Takadanobaba and Shibuya. We select the location and programme according to your group and venue availability.

Tokyo mat venues · Groups of 50–200

For large groups, a venue approximately 10 minutes by car from Ikebukuro is an option. Capacity, transport arrangements and staffing are confirmed for each booking.

Different guests, different ways to take part

Families, school groups & events

We welcome corporate MICE groups, families, middle- and high-school groups, and special-event bookings. Most guests are new to sumo; no previous knowledge or experience is required.

Women & children

Women are welcome to step onto the dohyo and participate. Participation is recommended from age four; children can also accompany the group and watch without taking part. Tell us the ages and numbers of participants and observers.

Older guests & gentle participation

We have welcomed many guests in their 60s and beyond. A gentler programme is available for those who prefer a lower level of physical activity. Experienced athletes can request more intensive training.

Modest clothing & privacy

Muslim guests are welcome to participate in a hijab or other modest attire. A female instructor may be requested well in advance, subject to availability. Private sessions also give LGBT+ guests and anyone with privacy requirements space to enjoy the experience with their own group.

Sessions in English, with demonstrations to guide you

Sessions are conducted in English, with support in English and Japanese. Demonstrations and physical practice also help guests from non-English-speaking backgrounds understand the movements.

Share your group’s requirements when enquiring. We confirm the venue, instructors, participation arrangements and meeting instructions before your visit. Please confirm travel arrangements alongside your booking details.

Plan your group’s experience

PREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT

Insurance & safety

Our sumo experience has business insurance with Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. We combine this with safety training for instructors and clear guidance for participants.

Business insurance

The policy described in our service information includes bodily-injury liability, property-damage liability and theft of guests’ belongings. Coverage is subject to the policy’s terms, conditions and exclusions.

Care during your session

Instructors receive safety training and first-aid kits are available on site. Please follow the instructor’s directions and tell us about any participation needs before your visit.

Understand the cover

Sumo is a physical activity and minor scrapes or bruises can occur. The insurance described in our service information does not cover these minor injuries. It does not guarantee cover for every accident or loss.

Travel professionals and guests can request confirmation of the insurance arrangements and the applicable coverage conditions for their visit.

Ask about insurance for your visit

SUMO MAN

Looking for performers for a show or production?

For sumo shows, film, television, advertising, event appearances and talent casting, visit our specialist agency, Sumo Man.

Sumo Man

PRIVATE SUMO TRAINING · TOKYO & OSAKA

Let’s plan your time in the ring.

Tell us a little about your trip. We will check availability and prepare a proposal. Sending an enquiry does not confirm a booking.

Tokyo & Osaka

Please enquire at least two weeks ahead for a private session.

Your name *Email *Phone number (optional)Company / agencyCountry / region * I am enquiring as Preferred city

Preferred date

Date not yet confirmed

Number of guests *

Tell us about your group and plans *

Our team handles enquiries in English and Japanese. You may write in your preferred language.

People who know sumo. People who welcome you.

A practical, welcoming approach

The people behind your experience

Competitive experience and specialist support

Company information

For shows, productions and casting

Travel Agency & OTA Partners

Countries and Regions

Put on a mawashi

Warm up together

Understand the rules

Practise the fundamentals — keiko

Experience a bout — torikumi

Take commemorative photos

Take a look inside a session

Instructors & support team

Toru Shimakura

Sitara Matsumoto

Sota Kohara

So Miyaue

Kyosuke Sata

Shinnosuke Takemasa

Train with a former sekitori.

Hidenoumi 英乃海

Daishoho 大翔鵬

Daikiho 大喜鵬

Shiden 紫雷

Available every day of the week

Standard start times · Japan time

Visiting the Tokyo area on a Monday?

From a small private party to a large group

Traditional ring · Recommended for up to 20 guests

Mat programme · Standard groups of 10–30

Tokyo mat venues · Groups of 20–50

Tokyo mat venues · Groups of 50–200

Different guests, different ways to take part

Families, school groups & events

Women & children

Older guests & gentle participation

Modest clothing & privacy

Sessions in English, with demonstrations to guide you

Insurance & safety

Business insurance

Care during your session

Understand the cover

Looking for performers for a show or production?

Let’s plan your time in the ring.