Sumo championships

We had pre purchased tickets to the May championships at Ryogoku stadium and arrived about 1 pm with time for some touristy photos and a look at the sumo museum.

The junior events were still on, most people arrive after 2 pm when the higher graded sumps arrive. We therefore had time to settle in and work things out

The main action starts with a parade and introduction of the wrestlers

Then the bouts begin. It's quite ceremonial still, but the action is fierce. Below is a selection of lots of photos we took

There are also appearances of past champions 

and at the most senior levels parades of what we assumed were previous victories.

After it was over, the boys were happy to pose for photos