The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA ★★★★

It begins with a proclamation of the importance of sumo. Sumo is both an intensive physical sport and a moment of spiritual exaltation. In this grand showcase of the Japanese national sport, Sumo Show HIRAKUZA provides exhilaration, thoughtfulness, and most importantly, very solid wrestling.

The opening section of HIRAKUZA is probably the weakest of the show, which is in part due to the anticipation that builds leading up to seeing the sumo matches that will unfold in the second half of the production. We are given a PowerPoint-esque, informational-style rendition of the history and traditions of sumo – while these are essential talking points for a mostly Western-centric audience, these could’ve been incorporated more fluidly with the rest of the show.

The plainness of this section thankfully dissipates when the sumo wrestlers, former professionals, are introduced on stage. Presented on a projection screen, their intro cards have the playfulness of WWE; each of the wrestlers carries distinct personalities that are used throughout the show, both for comedic purposes and to show that sumo isn’t all just traditionality.

It certainly delivers on this front. The mighty trio of Matsu, Waka, and Toma spar on stage in tournament-style matches like Titans. The grandiosity of their matches is bolstered by an exceptional MC – his enthusiasm injects the audience with adrenaline and vigour. Matsu, the smallest of the three, is presented as a hard-working fighter. Waka, the oldest, has the face of a grizzled warrior. Toma, the largest and the youngest, utilises his size and penchant for comedy with an unorthodox performance in the ring.

This is where HIRAKUZA shines. The sumo makes the audience’s hearts soar. But it is through the merging of entertainment and tradition that it’s possible to understand why the sport has become so popular in Japan and maintained in a changing entertainment landscape. HIRAKUZA respects tradition while recognizing the need to create a show.

The ending section is a perfect example of this concept. After the fights conclude and the wrestlers are given a moment to rest, the MC asks members of the audience to dress up as wrestlers, practice sumo moves, and so on. While this could be construed as slightly gimmicky, there is something quite endearing about seeing people passionately get on stage to try and push a sumo wrestler down. Toma understandably enjoys this – he yawns when a selected audience member tries to move him.

Understandably, HIRAKUZA isn’t a complex affair. It’s a demonstration and insight into the sport of sumo – it encourages the audience to prick up their ears, to turn on the television, and to give sumo a watch. Though certainly, those fights will be more brutal, with more at stake.