Collaboration Between Japan Sumo Association and FORMULA 1 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX

On Saturday, March 28, Ozeki Kotosakura is scheduled to appear on the official stage

SUZUKA CIRCUIT, as the stage for the world’s premier motor racing series F1, is working to enhance the value of Japan and the Japanese Grand Prix and to attract new fans by promoting Japanese culture, beauty, and Japan’s motorsports culture. As part of this initiative, a collaboration with the Japan Sumo Association, a public interest incorporated foundation, has been decided.

Sumo has a long history and is gaining worldwide popularity, having successfully held a performance in London, UK, in 2025 for the first time in 34 years. Additionally, the competitive structure where rikishi (sumo wrestlers) train rigorously every day and only a select few can step onto the dohyo (sumo ring) in official tournaments parallels the world of F1, where only the chosen compete on the grand stage. There are many shared values in the spirit of both, and through this collaboration, we aim to convey uniquely Japanese values to the world while further enhancing the brand of the FORMULA 1 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX.

During the FORMULA 1 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX event period, on March 28 (Sat), when the qualifying rounds take place, Ozeki Kotosakura is scheduled to appear on the official stage. Additionally, on March 26 (Thu), the day before the event, several sumo wrestlers are expected to participate in the "Community Experience Programme," an exchange project involving F1, local children, and Japanese culture.