IWA Japan Celebration Program

Virtual Film Viewing

Sumodo: The Successors of Samurai

Japanese: Sumodo - Samurai wo tsugu monotachi

Directed by Sakata Eiji, 2020, Japan, 104 min.

Japanese with English subtitles

Livestream Q&A with director Sakata Eiji at 8:45pm CT

(The viewing link will have a 24-hour watch window, but

you will be able to see the following Q&A if you tune in live!)

The world of sumo wrestling has always been something of a mystery to the world at large. Who are these gigantic athletes who willingly, violently collide with one another? Sumodo: The Successors of Samurai peels back the curtain on this invigorating sport by exploring the lives of the wrestlers themselves. Featuring rare footage of rikishi in training, the film offers a portrait of two dedicated wrestlers as they train, eat, and compete in larger-than-life tournaments in their quest to attain sumo’s highest rank. 

Please note: This virtual film viewing is hosted by the Chicago International Film Festival and the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago. Please register to receive further details on how to sign up on the organizer's reservation page.