People started filling the Kokugikan sumo arena. The arena has two levels. The lower level has mainly “box” seats for four people who sit on cushions. The upper level has chairs (cheaper seats). The Shinto-style roof above the sumo ring is suspended by cables. (Any pillars would obstruct the view.)
In the corridors, souvenir shops sold all kinds of Akebono merchandise.
Akebono doll performing the ring-entering ceremony (dohyo-iri). The price tag was ¥5,250 (limited edition of course).
Akebono goods. Dishes, miniature banners, paper lanterns, pouches, coasters, etc., all with his name on it.
Another limited-edition Akebono doll. Selling for ¥1,050. Also uchiwa fans (Akebono bottom center) and manju (bean cakes) with the Japanese kanji character for “Akebono” stamped on it.
