EnglandSumo at Japan Matsuri 2026 — and the national press coverage
On Sunday 4 October 2026, EnglandSumo wrestlers took to the main stage at Japan Matsuri (opens in new tab), the UK's biggest festival of Japanese culture, in Trafalgar Square, London.
The "British Sumo" demonstration featured youth and senior wrestlers from across England, including British champions. Japan Matsuri has run since 2009 and has been held in Trafalgar Square since 2012.
The national coverage that followed
In the days after the festival, national newspapers ran features on the boom in UK amateur sumo — noting that the number of sumo clubs in England has grown from one to 12 in two years.
- The Mirror — "Sumo wrestling surges in popularity across UK" (opens in new tab) — 6 October 2026. A free feature on the sport's growth across the UK, including British Sumo's unfunded national team and clubs opening across England.
- The Times — "Gird your loin cloths: sumo wrestling is making a big impact in UK" (opens in new tab) — 9 October 2026. The Times names EnglandSumo directly and quotes Lance Wicks, secretary general of British Sumo, on how sumo is now "on every day in England". Requires a subscription.
Across the national press
The story ran in several national titles in the days after Japan Matsuri — in print, online, and on newspaper apps. A selection of the clippings:
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The Times — print edition, Saturday 10 October 2026: “Worth the weight: why Sumo is next big thing in sport”, by Ed Halford. -
The Times — online: the feature also appeared in the paper's picture coverage, with a training photo by Leon Neal. -
The Times — mobile app “Top stories”: the same feature and photo surfaced on the app. -
National press — “Sumo wrestling has a grip on UK”, by Anders Anglesey. -
Daily Star — print edition, Wednesday 7 October 2026: “Sumo surge”, by Guy Nelson (pictures: Getty Images). -
Daily Mirror — print edition, Wednesday 7 October 2026: “Pull of sumo is gripping stuff”, by Anders Anglesey.
The performance on record
The Matsuri performance itself is documented by the festival and by independent reporting:
- Japan Society — Japan Matsuri 2026 photo report (opens in new tab) — the Japan Society's photo report from the day, naming sumo among the performances.
- Westminster & Pimlico News — Japan Matsuri 2026 guide (opens in new tab) — a full guide to the Main Stage timetable, including the British Sumo slot.
- Japan Matsuri (opens in new tab) — the official festival site.
With thanks
Our thanks to photojournalist Leon Neal, who has documented sumo across England. You can see his work on Instagram at Leon Neal on Instagram (@leonnealphoto) (opens in new tab).
Get involved
If the coverage has you curious: find a sumo club in England, learn what sumo is, or see the latest results.
Last updated: 2026-10-12.