Sumo (相撲), sumo wrestling is one of the national sports in Japan. It has a long history, however ozumo (大相撲), professional sumo has started in Edo period. Now ozumo is organized by Nihon Sumo Kyokai (日本相撲協会) Japan Sumo Association founded in 1925.
There are 6 Grand Sumo Tournaments called hon basho (本場所) literally real place in a year. Three of them are held in January, May and September at Ryogoku kokugi kan (両国国技館), The Sumo Hall at Ryogoku in Tokyo, one in March in Osaka, one in July in Nagoya, and one in November in Kyushu. Each tournament starts on Sunday and lasts for 15 days and ends on Sunday.
January Tournament is called hatsu basho (初場所) and Jan. 11 was its sho nichi (初日), the first day this year.
Now there are 2 highest ranking wrestlers called yokozuna (横綱), grand champion(s). They are Asa sho ryu (朝青龍) and Haku ho (白鵬). Both are from Mongolia.
I hope there will be Japanese yokozuna too near future.
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