Know your sumo: Tokyo's Hatsu Basho in brief

The sumo calendar 2011 gets underway on Sunday, January 9, providing essential viewing for fans, tourists, and the generally Japan-curious alike. Perfect timing, then, for a Time Out Tokyo roundup.

Five fat men to follow

42 wrestlers are scheduled to fight at the Hatsu Basho (first tournament of the year), but we've got our eye on five big men in particular.

Time Out Tokyo's top five sumo wrestlers

Sumo rules

Two large men in diapers enter the ring. Seconds later, one of them is on the floor and the other is stepping back with only the vaguest look of self-satisfaction on his face. What just happened? Here's what you need to know.

Time Out Tokyo's guide to the rules of sumo

While you're in the area...

The Hatsu Basho takes place at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Sumida, a historic neighborhood with good food and a handful of alternative attractions. Here's how to make a day of it.

Time Out Tokyo's guide to the Ryogoku area

Essential info

Dates: January 9-23
Prices: Tickets start from 2,100 yen (200 yen for kids aged 4-15) for general admission (only available from the box office, open from 8am, on the day of the tournament).
For a map of the Kokugikan location, click here