# Another Japanese sporting spectacle coming to the UK in 2025

*By Simon | December 5, 2024*

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![4727757069_f7c41cd81b_h](https://globalkeirin.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/4727757069_f7c41cd81b_h.jpg)

## 󠀁[Another Japanese sporting spectacle coming to the UK in 2025](https://globalkeirin.com/2024/12/another-japanese-sporting-spectacle-coming-to-the-uk-in-2025/)󠁿

5 December 2024

While we wait for news about DerbyWheel’s proposed keirin series, another
Japanese sport has announced plans to bring its stars to the UK during 2025.

London’s
[Royal Albert Hall will host](https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2025/the-grand-sumo-tournament/)
a sumo _basho_ next October, with over 40 elite wrestlers competing over five
days.

It will be the Japan Sumo Association’s first official overseas tour for 20
years, and coincides with the organisation’s centenary.

London has previously hosted sumo in 1991, at the same venue, to sellout crowds:
the winner, Hakkaku Rijicho – then known as Hokutoumi – is now the JSA’s
chairman.

[Embed from Getty Images](http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2188189290)

Japan’s ambassador to the UK, Hiroshi Suzuki told a press conference that he
hoped the tournament would inspire a deeper appreciation of the rich traditions
and profound history of Japan, and further promote cultural exchange between the
two countries.

‘It says on the outside of the building, we were built for all nations,’ said
Royal Albert Hall chief executive James Ainscough; ‘and so part of our job is to
enable the British public to encounter different cultures and different
experiences.’

**Categories:** Original
**Tags:** japan, sportinnovation