| It is always as well to know at least something of | | | | - Banzuke The official listing of rank in ozumo. |
| the country you want to visit and the things you | | | | - Danpatsu-shiki A rikishi's retirement ceremony |
| want to do. Obvious, you may say but it amazing | | | | where his top knot is removed. |
| how many people simply do not do some basic | | | | - Dohyo The sumo ring. |
| research beyond checking flight and hotel | | | | - Dohyo-iri The formal ring entering ceremony. |
| bookings. | | | | - Gino-sho The Technique Prize. |
| Most people know that the official name of The | | | | - Gyoji The referees. |
| Land of The Rising Sun is Nippon or Hihon with | | | | - Jonidan The second division from the bottom on |
| Tokyo as its capital city. You probably know that | | | | the banzuke. |
| the yen is the currency and that the Tea | | | | - Jonokuchi The lowest division on the banzuke. |
| Ceremony plays an important cultural role in | | | | - Juryo The second highest division on the |
| Japanese society. This ancient tradition encourages | | | | banzuke |
| appreciation of matters physical, aesthetic, | | | | - Kanto-sho The Fighting Spirit Prize. |
| intellectual and spiritual. | | | | - Kesho-mawashi The ceremonial apron worn by |
| With a few words, a visitor will enjoy their stay | | | | rikishi in the top two divisions during their dohyo-iri |
| so much more as Japanese is spoken throughout | | | | or ring entering ceremony. |
| the country with little regional variation. Picking up | | | | - Komusubi The fourth highest position on the |
| a few words or expressions will help you | | | | banzuke. |
| anywhere among the 127 or so million people that | | | | - Maegashira Indicates a rikishi in the top, |
| call Japan home. Your efforts will be appreciated | | | | Makunouchi division.. |
| and doors will open to you. | | | | - Mage The top knot worn by rikishi. |
| For conversation, it may be useful to know, for | | | | - Makushita The fourth division from the bottom |
| example, how many islands make up the country | | | | on the banzuke |
| of Japan. Do you know how many seas and lakes | | | | - Makunouchi The top division on the banzuke or |
| surround these islands? For instance the Sea of | | | | offical listing of rank. |
| Japan, the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk | | | | - Mawashi The loincloth like garment worn by |
| all have different characteristics that in turn affect | | | | rikishi when they train or compete. |
| the Japanese regional culture. Did you know that | | | | - O-icho The more formal hair style worn by |
| the ownership of the Chishima Islands (or Kuriru | | | | rikishi in the top two divisions. |
| Islands) in the Northern Territories is disputed by | | | | - Ozeki The second highest rank in ozumo. |
| Russia, the mainland rival of Japan? Room for | | | | - Rikishi Literally, "a gentleman of strength". A |
| debate there and a chance to improve your | | | | competitor registered with The Nihon Sumo |
| language skills no doubt. | | | | Kyokai. |
| Nearly three quarters of Japan is mountainous. | | | | - Sandanme The third division from the bottom |
| Mount Fuji is its highest and most famous summit | | | | on the banzuke. |
| and is also volcanic. Sushi, of course, is famous | | | | - Sekiwake The third highest position on the |
| the world over but did you know that soup is | | | | banzuke or official listing of rank. |
| eaten with chop sticks? It might be fun to find | | | | - Shikiri The toeing-the-mark ritual that precedes |
| out how! If sushi and soup are not your thing then | | | | the start of every bout in sumo. |
| you could explore the ramen or yakinki type | | | | - Shukun-sho The Outstanding Performance |
| restaurants that serve foods more commonly | | | | Award. . |
| associated with China. | | | | - Tachimochi The yokozuna's sword bearer during |
| High on the list of many visitors is the Japan | | | | his dohyo-iri or ring entering ceremony. |
| national sport: Sumo Wrestling. Steeped in ancient | | | | - Tate-gyoji The highest ranked gyoji or referees |
| ritual dating back centuries, Japanese sumo | | | | in ozumo. . |
| wrestling can be enjoyed in Tokyo at the main | | | | - Toshiyori A term used to refer to the retired |
| tournaments during January, May and September. | | | | rikishi who remain in ozumo often as trainers of |
| So many visitors want to watch sumo wrestling | | | | rikishi. |
| and it is no wonder that they do. | | | | - Tsuyuharai Serves as the "usher" of the |
| The traditions during these 15 day sumo | | | | yokozuna during his dohyo-iri |
| tournaments are strictly observed. The wrestlers | | | | - Yokozuna The highest position on the banzuke. |
| with their distinctive oicho hair knot and wearing | | | | - Yumitori-shiki The bow twirling ceremony |
| the thick, colourful silk mawashi (belly band) are | | | | performed at the end of every tournament day. |
| truly professional in all that the do. They live in | | | | The Grand Tournaments of Tokyo are held in the |
| stables where their every need is catered for | | | | east of the city at Ryogoku. The grandest of the |
| including the large quantities of food they | | | | grand, the one to win, the best of the best is the |
| consume. In order to retain and gain the bulk they | | | | New Year Tournament. Visit in January, May or |
| require, they retire to sleep directly after eating. | | | | September but whatever you do, if you have not |
| The Grand Champion, the yokozuna, is at the | | | | booked your tickets in advance, arrive early if |
| pinnacle of his profession, the banzuke. Once a | | | | you want a ticket to this 15 day spectacular Early |
| wrestler reaches the rank of yokozuna, the title | | | | is 7am. |
| cannot be taken away from him although he is | | | | With plenty of sushi and green tea for |
| expected to retire once his powers start wane. | | | | nourishment you are bound to enjoy the |
| When visiting and enjoying the Tournaments it is | | | | excitement of the competitors, the crowd and |
| a good to have some idea of the etiquette and | | | | the cultural events surrounding Sumo Wrestling. |
| the vocabulary; it adds to the enjoyment. | | | | |