‘An ancient traditional Japanese culture’ that is due to be seen once again at the Royal Albert Hall [Chris Christodoulou]

SUMO is set to return to the Royal Albert Hall, 34 years after the first official event outside of Japan took place there.

The prestigious venue will host an official “basho” Grand Sumo Tournament, organised by the Japan Sumo Association, in October next year.

Wrestlers from the top division will compete live over five days to become the grand champion.

The last London contest in 1991 – the first official event outside of Japan for 1,500 years – featured Konishiki, the 36st 8lbs American born giant known as The Dumptruck, Terao, the Typhoon, Akonishima, the Killer Whale, and Takamisugi the Temple Gong.

“Thrusting out, thrusting in, they bounced and crouched like fat Buddhas, their boiled chicken bottoms quivering with excess weight,” The Guardian newspaper reported at the time.

Hakkaku Rijicho, boss of Japan sumo, and winner of the 1991 tournament, said: “I feel great joy and a strong sense of responsibility to be able to take part in the London Grand Sumo Tournament once again as chairman of the Japan Sumo Association, which I participated in as an active Yokozuna 34 years ago.

“I will be making every effort to convey to the people of London the appeal of Sumo, an ancient traditional Japanese culture, and to ensure that everyone enjoys the event to their heart’s content. I look forward to meeting many of you there.”

James Ainscough, the chief executive of the Royal Albert Hall said: “It’s a true honour for the Royal Albert Hall to be the only venue to ever host a Sumo basho outside Japan.

“This will be a historic occasion and an incredible week of sport, athleticism, and culture. We can’t wait to share the rich heritage of this ancient sport with the British public, 34 years after we last hosted it.”

Fans can sign up for first dibs on tickets from early 2025 through the Royal Albert Hall website.