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January 31, 2026 at 9:00 am
Event date:
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January 31, 2026 at 6:00 am
Event end:
Overview
The retirement ceremony of the 73rd Yokozuna, Terunofuji, marks the conclusion of an era for a truly resilient champion of Japan’s national sport. Held at the iconic Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, this event centers on the “Danpatsu-shiki” or topknot-cutting ceremony, a solemn and moving ritual where fellow wrestlers, stablemasters, and prominent figures participate in cutting the Yokozuna’s hair. This momentous occasion signifies his formal departure from active competition and his transition into his new role as a stablemaster under the prestigious Isegahama name.
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Contact Jasumo Now →Beyond the haircutting ceremony, attendees will have the rare opportunity to witness Terunofuji’s final “Dohyo-iri” (ring-entering ceremony) performed in his full Yokozuna regalia. The day is filled with traditional sumo activities, special tribute match-ups, and ceremonial events that honor the legendary strength and perseverance he displayed throughout his career. It is a profoundly emotional day for the sumo community, bringing together thousands of fans to pay their final respects to one of the most respected figures in modern sports history.
Why Attend
- Witness the historic “Danpatsu-shiki” ceremony as the 73rd Yokozuna has his topknot ceremonially cut in the center of the ring.
- Experience the final official Yokozuna ring-entering ceremony (Dohyo-iri) performed by Terunofuji at the legendary Kokugikan.
- Participate in a rare milestone in sumo history as the champion officially takes over the esteemed Isegahama name for his future coaching career.
- Enjoy a unique program of tribute matches and traditional rituals that celebrate the life and career of a modern sumo legend.
Schedule & Ticket Information
Jasumo Tickets provide Concierge Ticket Service that assists international visitors in securing tickets that usually require many verifications. Submit your request through the Jasumo Contact Form by sharing your preferred date, venue or performance, ticket type, and quantity. Once you’ve reviewed the event details, simply confirm your selection and our bilingual team will support you end-to-end, including Smart Ticket application and payment coordination via credit card, convenience store, or ATM.
Please note that ticket availability is not guaranteed. After receiving your request, we will first check real-time availability on the official ticket platform. If tickets are available, we’ll make every effort to secure them for you. If they are sold out, don’t worry — we can also source tickets through trusted and verified resale marketplaces in Japan, helping you get the best possible seats.
| Date | Venue | Seat Types |
| 2026/01/31 (Sat) 11:00 Start | Kokugikan (Tokyo) | Meal/souvenir set exchange ticket, Chair seat A, Chair B, Chair C, Single seat S, 4-person square seat C, 4-person square seat A, 4-person mass seat B, 5-person mass seat B, 6-person mass seat A, 6-person Mass Seat B, 6-person mass seat C |
Disclaimer
Jasumo offers a specialized facilitation service for foreign tourists and non-Japanese residents in Japan, assisting with ticket acquisition for cultural and entertainment events through authorized and official platforms. We are not a ticket reseller and do not sell tickets directly. Our role is to guide international customers through the official booking process and help overcome common challenges, including:
- Language Barriers: Many ticketing systems operate only in Japanese; Jasumo provides full bilingual support.
- Local Platforms: Assistance with lottery applications, payment procedures, and e-ticket delivery methods.
Faqs
What is the difference between a Chair seat and a Mass seat at the Kokugikan?
Mass seats (Masu-seki) are traditional square areas on the lower levels where spectators sit on cushions, designed for groups of four to six people. Chair seats are located in the upper balcony levels and provide western-style seating, offering a higher vantage point of the entire arena.
Can I enter the venue if I only have the meal and souvenir set exchange ticket?
No, the souvenir and meal exchange ticket is an add-on voucher and does not grant admission to the Kokugikan on its own. You must purchase a separate admission ticket for the retirement ceremony to enter the building and collect your items at the designated exchange booth.
What is the significance of the topknot-cutting ceremony taking place?
The Danpatsu-shiki is the most important ritual in a wrestler’s retirement, symbolizing the end of their life as an active rikishi. Hundreds of people close to the wrestler take turns snipping a single hair until the stablemaster performs the final cut, signifying his transition to civilian life or stablemaster status.
Are there specific arrival times I should follow for this retirement event?
The doors open at 10:00, and the official program begins at 11:00, with various ceremonial matches and displays leading up to the main retirement ritual. It is highly recommended to arrive early to find your seat and enjoy the full schedule of tribute performances and the final ring-entry ceremony.
Will I need to show my passport or identification to enter the Kokugikan?
Because retirement ceremonies for high-ranking Yokozuna are high-demand events, venue staff may conduct random identity checks to ensure tickets match the registered purchaser. We strongly advise all international visitors to carry their original passport or a valid Japanese residence card to ensure smooth entry into the venue.
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