Summer sumo tour may be tough for wrestlers, but it's a boon for fans

An event that was part of a regional sumo tour in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, in April 2019. | JOHN GUNNING

by JOHN GUNNING
August 1, 2024

The last Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament to be held in the steamy Dolphins Arena is in the books.

Starting in 2025, the July meet will be hosted at the city’s brand new (and hopefully better air-conditioned) IG Arena.

Nagoya may be in the rearview mirror, but unfortunately for many of the sport’s top wrestlers, there is no break from the oppressive heat and humidity just yet, as the most grueling regional tour on the sumo calendar gets underway this weekend.