Utatsuyama Sumo Arena

The first major renovation of a valuable facility preserving Japan's sumo culture

Since its completion in 1961, the Ishikawa Prefectural Utatsuyama Sumo Arena has hosted numerous heated matches between high school wrestlers from all over Japan. In recent years, the facility had been aging noticeably, so the first major renovation was undertaken, centering on the renewal of spectator seating. This was completed in April 2023.
The bare concrete seats in the conical seating surrounding the ring were replaced with the blow-molded BLM-3600 series stadium benches. The BLM series is one of Kotobuki Seating's longest-selling product series, created by blow molding high-density polyethylene to create a seat. The gentle comfort of the seat is characterized by a hollow structure called a double shell created during the blow molding process. It is a significant improvement over conventional concrete seats. This keeps the seat from becoming hot or cold depending on the temperature, making it possible to use comfortably throughout the year. It is also highly durable and resistant to cracking even when hit by a baseball or other object. It is resistant to ultraviolet rays that cause fading and deterioration, making it ideal for seating in outdoor facilities.

Long Blue Bench Seating That Can be Flexibly Adjusted Based on Attendance

The long benches retain the mood of the pre-renovation seating. One of the major advantages of this type of seating is the ability to flexibly use the seats based on the number of people in the audience. Seating spacing can be adjusted, and personal items can be placed on the seats. With a typical pitch of 400-450 mm per person, approximately 7,000 people can be seated, and a sense of unity is created throughout the arena as seats are connected on both sides. The distance between the front and rear seats is wider than before, creating a more relaxed environment for spectators when watching matches. There is also new wheelchair seating in the last row of the mortar-shaped seating area.
Seats are colored light blue on the inside near the ring and a darker blue on the outside. The renovation is strongly reflected in the bright and fresh seating, standing out against the greenery of the surrounding park. The Utatsuyama Sumo Arena has been transformed into a space where sumo matches can be enjoyed even more. Dedication ceremonies and community events are also held here, making it a cherished spot for both locals and tourists.

Facility Overview

The Ishikawa Prefectural Utatsuyama Sumo Arena is a renowned facility that has hosted the Kanazawa High School Sumo Tournament, the oldest high school sporting event in Japan, and is revered as a sacred space for high school sumo. The first major renovation was completed in early 2023. It included the installation of durable and comfortable BLM seats, newly added wheelchair seating, updated executive seating, and paving of the players' waiting area.

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