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- YNU International Students Watched the January Grand Sumo Tournament
YNU International Students Watched the January Grand Sumo Tournament

On Friday, January 24, 2025, YNU international students attended a cultural exchange program “January Grand Sumo Tournament Watching” at the Ryogoku Kokugikan supported by the YNU Alumni Association “Koyukai.”
YNU students first enjoyed the exciting entrance procession of the top division wrestlers (makuuchi). They were impressed by the colorful decorative aprons (kesho-mawashi) worn by the sumo wrestlers as they circled the ring. Many students took photos and videos to capture the moment.
Next, they watched the main sumo matches. The crowd cheered loudly as popular wrestlers entered the ring, and they joined in the enthusiasm. Especially during close and intense matches, they were fully engaged, showing excitement and reacting to the wins and losses.
YNU students first enjoyed the exciting entrance procession of the top division wrestlers (makuuchi). They were impressed by the colorful decorative aprons (kesho-mawashi) worn by the sumo wrestlers as they circled the ring. Many students took photos and videos to capture the moment.
Next, they watched the main sumo matches. The crowd cheered loudly as popular wrestlers entered the ring, and they joined in the enthusiasm. Especially during close and intense matches, they were fully engaged, showing excitement and reacting to the wins and losses.
Additionally, some students asked about the banners for prize sponsorships, and staff members explained how the sponsorship system worked. Every time a sponsor's banner was introduced, the students became more animated and gained a deeper understanding of sumo.

Feedback from the participating students was overwhelmingly positive, with comments such as, "It was my first time watching sumo, and the rules were easy to understand – It was fun!" and "The matches were so intense, I was really excited!" Through this event, they had a unique opportunity to experience sumo, a traditional Japanese culture, first-hand, which greatly enhanced their understanding of Japanese culture.
