Controversy erupted at the Grand Sumo March Tournament held at Osaka's Edion Arena on March 15, 2025, as enthusiastic fans disrupted matches with loud cries of support. This occurred during the seventh day of the tournament, where the atmosphere quickly shifted from one of respect for the sport to one showing signs of chaos.
During one match between rank-and-file wrestlers Daishoumi, from the Isenoumi stable, and Chiyosword, from the Kokonoe stable, spectators could be heard yelling encouragements like 'Daishoumi!' at the top of their lungs. The shouts came repeatedly throughout the contest, creating significant distractions for both the wrestlers and the audience, especially as the crowd was still sparse during the morning's events.
Viewer reactions have been mixed, and many expressed their discomfort online, coining phrases such as 'Desu-voice yabay' to describe the shrill screams and align themselves with sentiments like, 'Consider those around you' and 'Booing and heckling are different.' Fans took to social media, airing grievances about the disruptive enthusiasm, with some individuals calling for the offending supporters to be removed from the venue.
This tournament is particularly noteworthy as it marks the debut of the 74th Yokozuna, Terunofuji, who began the event with the traditional Yokozuna ring-entering ceremony performed with utmost solemnity. He entered the arena with the Unryu-gata style, which is deep-rooted and respected within sumo traditions. Yet, just like the earlier matches, the ceremony was not spared from disruptive shouts from the audience.
Online comments captured the moment, with one saying, 'Read the room,' highlighting fan frustrations over timing and the lack of respect shown by fellow spectators. Criticisms flowed through social media networks, remarking on how some shouted comments lacked class at such significant moments.
The Japan Sumo Association (JSA), aware of these disturbances, has explicit guidelines outlined on their website. Under the Sumo Wrestling Spectator Agreement, Chapter 3, Article 8 clearly states, 'Excessive cheering, regardless of the reason, may cause harm to other spectators.' This policy emphasizes the importance of ensuring decorum during matches and discourages behavior deemed disruptive to the enjoyment of other fans.
Indeed, athletes competing at this level bring with them years of training and tradition. For many, the Grand Sumo March Tournament is about more than just the results—it's about honoring the sport's history and culture. Consideration of this heritage extends to the audience's behavior as well. Excessive cheering not only detracts from the wrestlers' performances but also disrupts the competitive integrity of the matches themselves.
It is clear from recent events at the tournament, though, how battle lines have been drawn between passionate support and maintaining respect within the sumo community. Disruptive shouting hints at the enthusiastic engagement of fans but risks overshadowing the very essence of the competition.
For now, discussions surrounding the importance of etiquette at sporting events continue to swirl among fans and officials. Those passionate about sumo wrestling may feel compelled to lend vocal support to their favorites, but it's imperative to find the balance between zeal and respect. The JSA's spectator guidelines serve as reminders to keep the integrity of sumo intact, ensuring all attendees can enjoy the events without distraction.
Set against the backdrop of this vibrant and deeply rooted culture, the relationship between spectators and the sport remains complicated yet fascinating. Can fans support their wrestlers without overshadowing the matches? That remains the challenge as sumo wrestling continues to draw large crowds, both virtually and within the arenas. Moving forward, it will be fascinating to see how fan behavior evolves and how both wrestlers and organizers respond to these pressing issues.