Sumo’s biggest stage of the autumn is set to open in Tokyo, with the September Grand Sumo Tournament, known as the Aki Basho, running from September 13 to 27, 2026, at the historic Ryogoku Kokugikan. The 15-day tournament, the fifth of six major honbasho held annually in Japan, has already sold out completely across all 15 days of competition.
Following July’s tournament in Nagoya, the Aki Basho marks sumo’s return to its spiritual home in Tokyo, and this year’s edition carries extra intrigue given the remarkable rise of one of the sport’s fastest-emerging stars.
What Happened?
Tickets for the September tournament went on sale from August 8, 2026, and sold through entirely before the end of the month, with organisers confirming there will be no same-day sales available at the box office for any of the 15 days. The Japan Sumo Association has confirmed all six honbasho dates for the year, with the September tournament representing one of the most in-demand stops on the calendar given its Tokyo location.
The updated banzuke, or rankings list, for the tournament has been released, confirming the top-tier Makuuchi division line-up. Yokozuna Onosato and Hoshoryu sit atop the rankings, with Ozeki-ranked wrestlers Kirishima, Kotozakura and Aonishiki completing the leading group heading into the tournament.
Key Storyline: Aonishiki’s Rapid Rise
One of the standout storylines heading into the Aki Basho is the continued ascent of Aonishiki Arata, whose real name is Danilo Yavhushyshyn. The 21-year-old, who fights out of the Ajigawa stable in Tokyo’s Koto Ward, officially entered professional sumo in 2023 and has since become one of the sport’s most talked-about young talents.
Aonishiki’s win at the November 2025 tournament made him the first Ukrainian wrestler to claim the Emperor’s Cup, and his subsequent promotion to Ozeki made him the fastest wrestler to reach that rank since the current promotion system was established in 1958. He backed that up with a further championship in January 2026, defeating maegashira Atamifuji, before going on to win the July tournament in Nagoya as well, further cementing his status as one of the sport’s most dominant current performers heading into September.
Why This Tournament Matters
With Aonishiki entering as reigning champion from the July Nagoya tournament, questions remain over whether he can continue his remarkable run and potentially push for promotion to sumo’s highest rank of Yokozuna. His head-to-head battles with established Yokozuna Onosato and Hoshoryu, along with fellow Ozeki Kirishima and Kotozakura, are likely to be among the most closely watched match-ups of the tournament.
For sumo fans more broadly, the Aki Basho represents one of the most accessible opportunities to see the sport live given its Tokyo location, which explains why this year’s tournament sold out so quickly compared to some of the other five stops on the annual calendar held in cities like Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka.
Tournament Format
As with all honbasho, the September tournament runs for 15 consecutive days, with each wrestler in the top divisions competing once per day. The wrestler who finishes with the best record across the 15 days is crowned tournament champion and awarded the Emperor’s Cup, with promotion and relegation between ranks determined by performance across the tournament.
Beyond the marquee Makuuchi division, the tournament also features extensive competition across the lower Juryo, Makushita, Sandanme, Jonidan and Jonokuchi divisions, offering a platform for emerging wrestlers looking to climb the rankings.
What This Means Going Forward
A strong showing at the Aki Basho could further strengthen Aonishiki’s case for eventual Yokozuna promotion, a decision that would require the Japan Sumo Association to determine he has demonstrated sufficient consistency and dominance at the Ozeki rank. For Onosato and Hoshoryu, defending their status at the top of the sport against Aonishiki’s continued rise adds significant stakes to their own performances in Tokyo.
With tickets completely sold out, those hoping to attend in person will need to rely on official resale channels or licensed agencies, while fans elsewhere can follow the tournament through Japan’s domestic broadcasters and streaming platforms.
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Upcoming Fixture: September Grand Sumo Tournament
The tournament runs from September 13 to 27, 2026, at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, with daily bout schedules published by the Japan Sumo Association throughout the 15-day event.
8. FAQ SECTION
When is the September Grand Sumo Tournament 2026?
The Aki Basho runs from September 13 to 27, 2026, at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.
Are tickets still available for the September 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament?
No, all 15 days sold out shortly after tickets went on sale on August 8, 2026, with no same-day sales available.
Who is Aonishiki Arata?
Aonishiki Arata, whose real name is Danilo Yavhushyshyn, is a 21-year-old Ukrainian sumo wrestler who became the first Ukrainian to win the Emperor’s Cup and the fastest wrestler to reach Ozeki rank since 1958.
Who are the top-ranked wrestlers heading into the Aki Basho?
Yokozuna Onosato and Hoshoryu top the rankings, with Ozeki-ranked Kirishima, Kotozakura and Aonishiki completing the leading group in the Makuuchi division.
