2025 Basho: Amateur Sumo Exhibition
Monday, May 19th, 2025 | 1:00 - 5:30 pm
Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall | 487 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1C6
PSFS is thrilled to support Basho 2025! Organised by Sumo Sundays, this exciting sumo event returns on Monday, May 19, 2025 (Victoria Day) at the historic Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall.
Sponsored by Fujiya and DMC LLP, the day features live sumo matches, comic sumo demonstrations, and new brackets for both beginners and seasoned competitors.
Venue
About Sumo Sundays
Sumo Sundays is a monthly drop-in for folks interested in learning sumo wrestling techniques. Founded in 2022, our goal is to make a space inclusive of all bodies and experiences. This means no gendered matches and no experience to participate is necessary. Outside of our monthly drop-ins, we work with Powell Street Festival to organize the annual sumo tournament and exhibition, as well as occasional workshops and events with community organizations. Learn more at sumosundays.ca.
Why organize this tournament? How is this different from the event at Powell Street Festival?
For over 40 years, an annual sumo tournament and exhibition has taken place at Powell Street Festival. As the tradition has been passed on from the original Sumo Fun Club to festival organizers and now slowly to the Sumo Sundays crew, we’re constantly learning [how to workshop the event]. Due to timing, this event is limited to less than an hour and takes place outside with limited seating. However, it also draws one of the largest crowds at the festival.
Hosting an indoor tournament will allow spectators to watch in a more comfortable environment. We’ll also be able to offer more opportunities for competitors to spar and work on formatting ideas to bring to Powell Street Festival.
