(SeaPRwire) – International visitors now have a more welcoming way to experience one of Japan’s most iconic, yet initially daunting, cultural traditions
TOKYO, April 28, 2026 — MIMARU, Japan’s leading family-focused apartment hotel brand, operated by Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd., is launching a new way for guests to engage with one of Japan’s most iconic cultural traditions through THE SUMO LIVE RESTAURANT HIRAKUZA GINZA TOKYO.

In recent years, sumo has grown increasingly international, with foreign-born wrestlers competing in the sport’s top divisions. Overseas exhibitions have also been staged across regions including China, South Korea, the United States, and Europe. A London tour in October 2025 drew strong audience interest, highlighting growing engagement in Western markets. Looking ahead, another event is scheduled for Paris in June 2026, reflecting sumo’s ongoing global expansion. Against this backdrop, THE SUMO LIVE RESTAURANT HIRAKUZA GINZA TOKYO offers an accessible way for first-time visitors to experience and gain a deeper understanding of this iconic Japanese tradition.
(Source: Japan Sumo Association, BBC, and publicly available information)
Situated in Ginza, THE SUMO LIVE RESTAURANT HIRAKUZA GINZA TOKYO offers an immersive sumo-themed entertainment and dining experience designed specifically for international guests. The venue combines live performances, English-language commentary, interactive elements, and traditional Japanese cuisine, creating an approachable introduction to sumo culture for first-time visitors and family travelers in Japan.
This new offering aligns with MIMARU’s ongoing commitment to helping guests discover and access local cultural experiences beyond typical sightseeing, making it easier to engage with Japanese culture during their stay.
“Many of our guests are deeply curious about Japanese culture, but they often don’t know where to start or how to access experiences that feel both authentic and welcoming,” said Mao Mochizuki from the Management Planning Office at Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd. “This initiative is part of our broader effort to enhance the stay experience for international travelers by connecting them with cultural activities that are enjoyable, easy to access, and well-suited for families.”
While sumo is widely recognized around the world, official tournaments are limited and can be difficult for travelers to attend due to scheduling constraints, ticket availability, and language barriers. HIRAKUZA was created to lower these barriers by offering a year-round experience that makes enjoying sumo culture simpler through an engaging, entertaining format.
Guests at HIRAKUZA can watch live performances by former sumo wrestlers while dining in an immersive venue that brings them closer to sumo’s traditions and cultural rituals. Beyond the physical intensity of the matches, the experience also showcases the refined ceremonial elements that define the sport. The program is conducted entirely in English, with explanatory content designed to help international audiences better understand the meaning and traditions behind each performance.
Selected guests will also have the chance to participate in a wrestler challenge segment, and all groups will receive a commemorative photo opportunity after the show. The experience is also crafted to be enjoyable for children, providing an engaging introduction to Japanese culture that families can share together. It is generally recommended for children aged 5 and above.
Dining is a central part of the overall experience. The menu features Japanese dishes inspired by sumo culture, with options to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs. A child-friendly menu is also available, making the experience suitable for family travelers.
As part of this initiative, guests staying at the following MIMARU Tokyo properties who visit THE SUMO LIVE RESTAURANT HIRAKUZA GINZA TOKYO will receive a sumo-themed wooden plaque (Gifts may vary depending on stock availability):
- MIMARU Tokyo Hatchobori
- MIMARU Tokyo Station East
- MIMARU Tokyo Ginza EAST
- MIMARU Tokyo Nihombashi Suitengumae

“Families visiting Japan are increasingly seeking shared cultural experiences that combine learning, entertainment, and convenience,” said Mochizuki. “With a team representing 39 nationalities, we are constantly observing how international guests engage with Japanese culture, and experiences like HIRAKUZA are a strong example of what resonates with travelers.”
THE SUMO LIVE RESTAURANT HIRAKUZA GINZA TOKYO opened in January 2026 and operates year-round. The standard program runs for approximately two hours, with performances generally held in the early evening. Same-day online reservations can be made at https://ars-hirakuzat.triplabo.com/home?lang=en.
Preview the Experience: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DVdf5BnEiHR/
About Cosmos Hotel Management
(Headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan; President: Hideki Fujioka)
Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd. operates Japan’s leading apartment hotel brand “MIMARU” across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. With spacious apartment-style rooms and warm support from multilingual staff, families can relax as they would at home while strengthening connections with locals and the local community. We also continue to expand services that make family travel more comfortable and memorable.
Media Contact
Glenn Mandel
Firecracker PR for MIMARU
glenn@firecrackerpr.com
Photographs accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/95231d7a-3147-4454-ae7f-fa34b16a5564
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/486827ad-958e-4ead-a5cd-4211154dd699
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