Sumo wrestlers slam into London for the first time in decades

Japan's top sumo wrestlers were wandering the streets of London ahead of the sold-out Grand Sumo Tournament taking place this week at London's Royal Albert Hall.

LONDON — It's safe to say they're making their presence felt.

Japan's top sumo wrestlers were wandering the streets of London earlier this week ahead of the sold-out Grand Sumo Tournament currently taking place at the Royal Albert Hall, the British capital's famous Victorian concert venue.

Dressed in traditional Japanese clothing, the wrestlers known as rikishi, have been exploring the city in between rigorous training for what is just the second event of this type to be held outside Japan in 1,500 years.

Atamifuji Sakutaro sightseeing in London on Tuesday.Kyodo via APWearing traditional clothing, the wrestlers pass the gates of Buckingham Palace. Ryan Pierse / Getty ImagesThis time, the spotlight is on two highest-ranked wrestlers, known as yokozuna — Mongolian Hoshoryu Tomokatsu and Japan’s Onosato Daiki. Onosato, 25, became the 75th fighter to earn that title in May, having risen to the rank in a record 13 tournaments.

His rival, Hoshoryu, was the 74th man to attain the rank.