(photo: PSFS, https://powellstreetfestival.com/)
What’s better than an activity that’s both cultural and sporty? I have something ultra special here for you to experience in Metro Vancouver on Victoria Day, either as a competitor in this sport event or as a spectator, 2025 Basho: Amateur Sumo Exhibition is here for you to enjoy!
Organized by Sumo Sundays and supported by Powell Street Festival Society (PSFS), following the success of the inaugural basho in 2024, this one-of-a-kind sumo event in Metro Vancouver is set to return on Monday, May 19, 2025 (Victoria Day) at the historic Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall.
Featuring live men’s and gender diverse brackets (inclusive of women, non-binary and gender diverse folks) sumo matches , comic sumo demonstrations and new brackets for both beginners and seasoned competitors on the day of the event, Basho 2025 will be a memorable event for the sumo wrestlers who are taking part in the competition and also a kick start event for the amateurs and beginners.
Each bracket winner walks away with a bag of rice — and the top two in each bracket who bring the spirit, even if they don’t win it all.
Ever dream how to wrestle like a proper sumo warrior? Ever think of what are the tricks behind this powerful traditional sport from Japan? For those of you who are eager to compete but wondering where to start, good news is you don’t need to be a sumo pro to join. The competition will send out all the rules before the tournament so you’ll know what to expect. You can even try out at one of the open sessions to see how good you are already!
Sumo competitions have a long history at the Powell Street Festival, for over 40 year, an annual sumo tournament and exhibition has taken place. It was originally organized by Sumo Fun Club and now passed onto Sumo Sundays crew.
Come experience an afternoon of family-friendly sumo entertainment, including live matches and demos. Plus, taiko drumming and food!! Come catch the matches of all body sizes and experiences from across the region and witness the growing sumo scene in the Pacific Northwest!
Event details:
Monday, May 19th, 2025 | 1:00 – 5:30 pm
Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall | 487 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1C6
Find out more on: sumosundays.ca/register