Things Japanese People Do in Their Free Time

*Sumo

Sumo is a combat sport where two Rikishis or Sumo wrestlers fight in the dohyo ring utilizing various winning techniques (Kimarite). This sport is widely acknowledged internationally as a typical national Japanese sport with a long history. Intensive sparring bouts of power or tremendous throws attract everyone from children to seniors and this sport still retains a deep-rooted popularity today. Sumo has an official ranking list called "Banzuke" that shows the comparative strength of Rikishis, and the higher ranks are called Makuuchi and Rikishis with ability in Makuuchi join the San-yaku (Komusubi, Sekiwake, Ozeki) or three highest ranks below Yokozuna. At the top, there is Yokozuna. Official grand Sumo tournaments are held 6 times a year. Each tournament lasts 15 days, and the Rikishi gaining the most wins takes first prize. The results of the grand Sumo tournament greatly affect their ranking in the "Banzuke" for the next tournament.

*Fugi Rook Festival

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2007, the Fuji Rock Festival is the largest rock music festival in Japan where nearly 100,000 people congregate every year. The venue has been set at the Naeba Ski Resort since 1999, and the schedule has been revised to a total of 3 days and more stages have been added since then. Big-name headliners perform at the festival each year, so this event gets a lot of attention from overseas media as well. Although it is called a rock festival, a wide range of artists perform there, from grand old names of rock music to up-and-coming new faces, from jazz to techno musicians. The real thrill of this festival is that you can enjoy the music at your leisure in the grandeur of nature. Moreover, other attractions such as food booths and massage tents are set up for your pleasure.


*Tokyo International Film Festival

One of the 12 largest film festivals in the world, the Tokyo International Film Festival started in 1985 under the authorization of the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) formed by 24 countries. This film festival has made a significant contribution to Japan's film industry and culture as the only authorized international film festival with tradition and prestige.