In a celebration of tradition, culture, and community, Mizuho proudly supported the Grand Sumo Tournament at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall this October.
As one of Japan’s most revered cultural traditions, sumo wrestling made a triumphant return to the UK for only the second time in history, with the first being in 1991 at the very same venue.
A city-wide celebration
In the weeks leading up to the tournament, Londoners were treated to a visual spectacle. Striking red posters featuring two sumo rikishi (wrestlers) in a dramatic face-off adorned Underground stations across the city, building excitement and anticipation.
To commemorate the occasion, we had the honour of welcoming Akira Takayasu, winner of the Fighting Spirit award and one of the tournament’s standout rikishi, to our London office. During his visit, Takayasu-san explored our trading floor and joined a packed Q&A session, where he shared insights into the life of a professional sumo wrestler.
A night to remember at the Royal Albert Hall
Mizuho hosted a special client reception in a bespoke Mizuho-branded gallery space within the Hall. Over 180 guests joined us for an unforgettable evening, surrounded by elegant Japanese motifs and the electric atmosphere of live sumo.
A highlight of the evening was a surprise appearance by the tournament’s grand champion, Yokozuna Tomokatsu Hoshoryu, who addressed the audience alongside fellow Rikishi.
Honouring the Grand Champion
The tournament culminated in a proud moment for Mizuho, as our Deputy Group CEO, Suneel Bakhshi, presented the winner’s trophy to Hoshoryu, the reigning Yokozuna. This symbolic gesture underscored our deep respect for the sport and our role in supporting its global reach.
Mizuho Financial Group is proud to have been a key sponsor of the Grand Sumo Tournament. This event not only celebrated one of Japan’s most iconic cultural traditions but also embodied our mission to foster global connection, cultural exchange, and meaningful collaboration.
As a trusted financial partner with deep roots in Japan and a global outlook, we are committed to building a prosperous and sustainable future. The Grand Sumo Tournament was a powerful reminder of the value of tradition in shaping shared experiences and forging lasting relationships across borders.