【Grand Open】 The Newest Sumo Entertainment in Namba

● Fulfill Your Dream to See Sumo

The Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka is the newest addition to Osaka’s entertainment district, Namba.
With powerful performances by former professional Sumo wrestlers and an opportunity to experience Sumo firsthand, the all new entertainment show at Hirakuza makes Japan’s national sport more accessible to visitors.
Any curiosity you might have about the Japanese culture and your dream to see Sumo in person can be fulfilled all at once. If you’re fascinated with Sumo or Japan’s traditional culture, or if you are simply looking for a memorable evening in Japan, Hirakuza is the place to be.
And today, we’re going to tell you all about our fabulous evening at Hirakuza!

The Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka is located on the 8th floor of Namba Parks, a large shopping mall located near Namba Station on Osaka Metro’s Midosuji and Sennichimae Lines.

Even for Japanese nationals, seeing Sumo live is a rare event. The official Sumo tournaments are held a mere 6 times a year and at certain locations only. Getting the ticket to these popular tournaments is next to impossible. Needless to say, I was excited at the opportunity to see Sumo up close in person at Hirakuza.

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THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA

【Access】	Approx. 10-minute walk from Namba Station on the Midosuji and Sennichimae Lines
【Address】	Namba Parks 8th Floor, 2-10-70 Nambanaka, Naniwa-ku, Osaka
【Google Map】	https://maps.app.goo.gl/rUAeT9G5b4X399WX8
【Hours】	11:00 am – 11:00 pm (The souvenir shop is open 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.)
【Closed】	Tuesdays and New Year’s Holidays (12/31 – 1 /1) ※ Open on Tuesdays during busy seasons
【Schedule】	★ 2 shows/daily ① Doors open at 5:00 pm ― Show ends at 6:00 pm ② Doors open at 8:00 pm ― Show ends at 9:00 pm ★ 1 show/daily Doors open at 6:00 pm ― Show ends at 7:00 pm ※ Approx. 60 minutes of show + photo session
【Price】	S seat ￥16,000 (Same for Adult and Child) A seat ￥12,500 (Child ￥9,000) B seat ￥9,500 (Child ￥7,000) BL seat ￥50,000 (up to 4 guests) ※ Reserved seats only ※ All tickets include Hirakuza Bento, Hirakuza Child Bento or Hirakuza Snack Bag, and one drink. ※ Hirakuza Child Bento is not available for S seats. Hirakuza Bento or Hirakuza Snack Bag, and one drink are included in the ticket. ※ Child price is for children 3 to 12 years of age.
【Accepted Credit Cards】	MUFG／DC／UFJ／NICOS／VISA／MasterCard／JCB
【Homepage】	https://hirakuza.net/sumohall/
【Reservation】	Reserve Your Ticket Here

● Why Hirakuza ① A Spectacle to See

Shows are typically held twice a day at Hirakuza. The first show begins at 6 pm and the second at 9 pm. (Only one show is held on some days.) Guests get to learn about the tradition of the sport and watch the wrestling matches while enjoying bento box, snacks, and drinks. A dinner show with Sumo performance—where else can you find such an opportunity?

Performing on stage surrounded by different levels of seating are former professional Sumo wrestlers. The 60-minute show is packed with culture, good food, and amazing performances. I’ll tell you a little bit about my experience—without spoiling too much for you.

The show was, simply put, a spectacle! Above is a scene from the show that uses mythology to depict the history of Sumo. The images, lights, music, costumes…the whole creation was mystical. While Sumo is an exciting sport, I always thought there was something sacred about it, perhaps because of its origin—Sumo is believed to have originated in a Shinto ritual performed in prayer for a good harvest. Throughout the show, I felt the spirit of Japan’s ancient ritual.

The show I saw was titled the “Chronicles Journey of the Rising Sun.” I hope many of you will get to see it, too.

● Why Hirakuza ② An Osakan Performance

“Make some noise!” the MC called out, and shouts and cheers filled the hall as Sumo wrestlers began all powerful demonstrations. The dynamic practices between former professional Sumo wrestlers were so intense, it was extraordinary. The mere impact of two wrestlers colliding made me let out a little cry—and I don’t even know if it was a shout of joy or a shriek. When the wrestler threw his opponent out of the dohyo Sumo ring…? All I could say was “whoa!” Seeing a giant body fly in the air is an incredible experience, one that I wish everyone could experience personally.

When the finishing moves and the details of practices were explained, many found the performance even charming☆ Just take a look at the photo of the flexible SUMO stretch. Expected or not, these solemn looking Sumo wrestlers have a nice sense of humor. After all, it’s Osaka. You get to laugh a lot here at Hirakuza♪

●Why Hirakuza ③ Intense Sumo Matches

Then came the serious Sumo bouts. It began with a graceful shiko—the wrestlers squat, lift one leg, stretch and hold the leg at the highest point for a second, and lower the leg down—then they faced each other. I think they were trying to figure out their opponent’s strategy in these few seconds as they gazed at each other. The air was tense. It was fascinating. The feeling of anticipation reached its peak when I heard the referee shout “Hakkeyoi…”

“Nokotta!” The bout had begun!!
Some bouts end in an instant. Some go at it for a while, and it might end in an unexpected win. It was remarkable to see how the wrestlers transformed and got into the match in just a brief second. It was as if a switch turned on inside them. I wanted to watch the bout with my own eyes, but I also wanted to take pictures at the same time. I wished I could rewind and relive every match I saw. This part of the show was my favorite—it was most exciting and phenomenal. Every show has its own intense matches. I wonder what the next show will bring.

If I’ve shared a little too much, that’s because it was so exciting!

There were countless laughs, extensive cheering, and lots of high-fiving with the neighbors and some even with the wrestlers. It’s a splendid entertainment, one that will blow you away☆

●The Ultimate Sumo Experience at Hirakuza

The ultimate feature of Hirakuza is the “Sumo challenge”. In the Sumo challenge, three guests selected from the pool of volunteers get up on the stage and personally experience Sumo first hand!
Here’re some scenes from the bouts between the guests and the Sumo wrestlers I witnessed. I won’t forget their bravery.

These courageous people wore Sumo wrestling suit and pushed and pulled with all their might. But their opponent stood there still and didn’t move an inch. All three of them ended up flying—elegantly—in the air. (Apparently, it didn’t hurt.)
One of the challengers told me “It was an experience of a lifetime! I will remember this moment on dohyo when I confront something new or when I face a difficult challenge and want to recoil.”
How admirable is that?! I give an applaud to all the challengers that went against the great Sumo wrestlers☆ Who else wants this special experience?

●Local Osakan Bento Box

Now let’s talk about the bento box I enjoyed during the show.
Hirakuza Bento is filled with Osaka’s gourmet food like takoyaki, yakisoba, and chirashi-zushi. I have never seen—nor do I think you can find elsewhere—a bento box with takoyaki (lol). You can pretty much conquer Osaka’s favorites with one bento box at Hirakuza!
It’s also important to mention that this Osakan bento box and one drink are included in the ticket price. For kids, Hirakuza Child Bento includes yummy onigiri rice balls, a kids’ favorite!
※Menu may change without notice.

Vegan and Halal bento boxes as well as an option to upgrade your bento box to Premium Bento are also available. For those who prefer lighter snacks, a Snack Bag filled with Osakan flavored snacks is offered as an alternative to Bento.

＜Additional Fees for Special Bento Options＞
・ Premium Bento　＋4,000 yen
・ Halal Bento 　＋2,000 yen
・ Vegan Bengo　＋2,000 yen

●The Souvenir Shop☆

The souvenir shop at Hirakuza is a perfect spot to pick up, well, souvenirs. Since the shop is located at the entrance, you can go shopping there without a ticket. I, love, this souvenir shop. In my opinion, the designs and selections of goods carried at this store are “Yokozuna-class” (highest rank in Sumo) lol.
In addition to Osaka themed souvenirs, Hirakuza original merch has a stylish traditional Japanese design. Most of the merchandise is exclusively sold here so pay close attention!

Goods with Ukiyo-e Sumo designs are definitely a must-buy in my opinion. Ukiyo-e is colorful Japanese wood block prints that have captured the global audience. My favorites were sensu folding fans and setta sandals that are both practical and pleasing to the eye. A stylish addition to fashion, these Ukiyo-e Sumo goods make a great souvenir for all genders.

While Ukiyo-e magnets make nice little souvenirs to give away, my recommendation for someone special are the tote bags or aprons made in collaboration with a local Osakan manufacturer. The retro style Hirakkuza logo adds a nice touch to these products and the high-quality denim becomes even more natural to the touch over time.
Look around and I’m sure you will find a nice keepsake of your trip, whether it’s something you can use for a long time or something practical that you can use every day.

It will be a nice shopping experience after (or not) the exciting Sumo experience.

●Buying the Ticket

Designed for international visitors, all shows at Hirakuza are conducted in English. The history of Sumo and the Sumo match rules are all explained in English but since they use simple English for non-English speakers like myself, I was able to understand it!
You can choose seat types and Bento options when you buy the tickets. For your reference, I got a ticket for A seat, third row from the front. It was a very good seat. Next time, I might try the S seat which is right in front of the dohyo stage.

■S seat　Adult 16,000 yen (Same price for Child)
■A seat　Adult 12,500 yen, Child 9,000 yen
■B seat　Adult 9,500 yen, Child 7,000 yen
■BL seat (Balcony)　50,000 yen (up to 4 guests)

※ Child price is for children 3 to 12 years of age.

★ Buy your ticket here↓
　https://hirakuza.net/sumohall/tickets/　

《Important Notes》
■Reserved seats only
■All tickets include Hirakuza Bento, Hirakuza Child Bento or Hirakuza Snack Bag, and one drink.
■Hirakuza Child Bento is not available for S seats. Hirakuza Bento or Hirakuza Snack Bag, and one drink is included in the ticket price.
■Premium Bento (＋4,000 yen), Halal Bento (+2,000 yen), Vegan Bento (＋2,000 yen) ※All inclusive of tax
■Those who want a bento box must reserve the tickets by 10 am 3 days prior to the show date. (Hirakuza Snack Bag instead of Bento box will be included in the tickets reserved after 10 am 3 days prior to the show date.)
■Hirakuza Snack Bag can be reserved until 3 pm on the day of the show.
■New performances are announced on the first business day of every month.
■Up to 7 tickets can be purchased at once. (※ 3 tickets for BL seats)
■A paid ticket is required for all guests at age 3 and above.
■Please contact the Hirakuza in advance if wheelchair assistance is required.

●A Bright Future Ahead★

At Hirakuza’s sneak preview was a special guest, Ura Kazuki, a professional Sumo wrestler originally from Osaka, who happens to be one of my favorite Sumo wrestlers.

“It was such a fun show and I got into the performance. I’ll be happy to see people from other countries enjoy vibrant Osaka and learn about Sumo at Hirakuza,” said Ura Kazuki, expressing hopes for a bright future of Hirakuza.
I’ve been following Ura Kazuki and have a big hope for his success too!

Japan’s Sumo culture boasts some 1,500 years of history and sometimes feels out of reach. But the Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka is here to showcase the culture to all and, at the same time, provide high-quality entertainment that you can “see”, “taste” and “experience” all at once. After the amazing Sumo show at Hirakuza, I understood the depth of the Sumo culture and Sumo felt closer to my heart. I can only think that Hirakuza is going to help spread the extraordinary world of Sumo around the globe.
Don’t miss your chance to gain this memorable experience when you visit Osaka!

*This information is current as of July 5, 2024. Please note that dates, times, prices, etc. may differ from the current information.

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