Discover the inner world of sumo with a special conversation featuring two of the sport’s most prestigious figures.

The 39th Kimura Shōnosuke, the highest-ranking referee (gyōji) in professional sumo, shares the duties and responsibilities that define his role. These range from the refereeing of bouts and presiding over rituals deeply rooted in Shintō traditions, to compiling the banzuke, the official document listing wrestler rankings. He also introduces the symbolism of the gyōji’s elaborate attire and tools.

Joining him is yokozuna Ōnosato Daiki, one of sumo’s brightest young stars and among the most widely followed wrestlers in Japan today. Hailing from Ishikawa Prefecture, Ōnosato offers first-hand insights into life at the pinnacle of the sport as one of only 75 wrestlers ever to have achieved sumo’s highest rank of yokozuna.

Guided by sumo announcer and presenter Hiro Morita, this is a rare opportunity to hear how champions and referees collaborate in the ring.

The discussion concludes with an opportunity for questions from the audience.

This event is part of a series presented with the Japan Sumo Association offering behind-the-scenes insights into the world of sumo and the dedicated professionals who bring the sport to life.

These events coincide with the highly anticipated Grand Sumo Tournament taking place at the Royal Albert Hall in London from 15 to 19 October 2025.

About the speakers

Ōnosato Daiki (born Nakamura Daiki in 2000 in Ishikawa) is a yokozuna sumo wrestler from the Nishonoseki stable. He made his professional debut in May 2023, reached the top division, makuuchi, in January 2024, and became sumo’s 75th yokozuna in May 2025. He is the first Japan-born wrestler promoted to yokozuna in eight years and achieved this rank after just 13 tournaments, the fastest since the annual six-tournament system began in 1958.

The 39th Kimura Shōnosuke (born Horasawa Yūji in 1961 in Tokyo) is professional gyōji (sumo referee) affiliated with the Kokonoe stable. He made his professional debut in the November 1977 tournament, reached the makuuchi division in March 2006, and attained sanyaku status in November 2014. He was promoted to the position of deputy chief gyōji in September 2024 and chief gyōji in January 2025.

Born in Tokyo in 1967, Hiro Morita is an announcer and presenter affiliated with both NHK and the Japan Sumo Association. Since 1999, he has provided live play-by-play commentary on NHK’s sumo broadcasts and is also host of NHK World-Japan’s Grand Sumo Preview and Grand Sumo Highlights. In 2022, he launched and continues to host the Japan Sumo Association’s English-language YouTube channel Sumo Prime Time.