Sumo Scene / Quiet Tokyo Temple Played Outsized Role in Sumo History, Stood as Tournament Grounds for Over a Century
Nearby sumo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in eastern Tokyo stands an unassuming temple called Ekoin. It is likely that many passersby are unaware of Ekoin’s deep connections to sumo that make it famous in its own right.
In the heart of Tokyo, an unassuming temple named Ekoin stands quietly near the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena. Despite its unassuming appearance, Ekoin played a pivotal role in sumo history, serving as the grounds for tournaments for over a century. During the Edo period (1603-1867), Ekoin's grounds were a common site for sumo tournaments, used to raise funds for the construction and restoration of temples and shrines and other causes.
The first Ryogoku Kokugikan, a significant sumo venue, was built on the temple's premises in 1909. For many decades, it served as the home of the national sport, providing a permanent venue unaffected by weather conditions. Following World War II, the arena was relocated to the opposite side of the Sumida River in 1985 and rebuilt as the Kokugikan we know today.
Today, all vestiges of the original arena have disappeared, but stone monuments remain to commemorate Ekoin's connection to sumo. In 1936, the Japan Sumo Association erected a monumental stone inscribed with “Chikarazuka” (mound of power), honoring the contributions of past stablemasters and elders to the sport. Adjacent to this stone, monuments bearing the names of sumo journalists were established to recognize the influential role of the media in the sport's development.
These tributes include inscriptions of sumo reporters who have passed away, a practice that continues to this day.
Near the autumn equinox, senior association officials gather in front of the Chikarazuka stone to pay their respects to the journalists who have passed on. This annual ritual, along with the serene atmosphere of Ekoin, offers a glimpse into the rich and storied history of sumo, making this quiet Tokyo temple a fitting monument to the sport's enduring legacy.
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
