Dolphins Arena (Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium)

Welcome to the Dolphins Arena, officially known as the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, a site of profound cultural and sporting significance in the heart of Nagoya. As we embark on this standard four-hour tour, we find ourselves at…

The focal point of our visit today is the dohyo, the raised clay ring that serves as the battleground for the sumo wrestlers. To the untrained eye, it may appear to be a simple circle of sand, but to the scholar of Japanese…

One of the most profound aspects of our tour is the opportunity to witness the wrestlers' entrance along the hanamichi, the traditional walkways that lead from the dressing rooms to the arena floor. In the context of Nagoya's…

As our four-hour journey at the Dolphins Arena concludes, I hope you have gained a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted nature of professional sumo. We have moved from the historical context of Nagoya Castle's grounds into…