The Nihon Sumo Kyokai held a fan appreciation day this past Sunday at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in celebration of their 80th anniversary, and we were 3 of approximately 25,000 fans who showed up for the free event.
There were no bouts, but rather a series of mini-events, various photo exhibits and the like, plus access to some of the facilities at the Kokugikan that are normally off limits to us mere mortals such as the locker rooms. Rikishi were there as well, some just hanging out for photos and autographs, others taking tickets or making mochi. Nothing spectacular, but a nice day out all the same. Though admittedly a free event, it was nice to see so many people in attendance, giving one hope that the recent media buzz Sumo is enjoying, thanks to Asashoryu’s record-breaking year and Kotooshu’s Ozeki promotion, might actually result in increased attendance come the next basho (starting January 8).
(Click on the above photo for more photos from the event).