Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t

Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t

Year: 1992

Runtime: 105 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Masayuki Suō

Comedy

A larger-than-life comedy featuring oversized underpants, it follows college senior Shuhei, who is coerced by a professor into joining his university’s sumo team. With the help of a colorful group of misfits, he must rally the squad to defeat rival wrestlers, lest the club be disgraced and disbanded.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t (1992)

Trace every key event in Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t (1992) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Inciting deal: missing credits and tournament compromise

Shuhei Yamamoto learns from Professor Anayama that he lacks the required credits to graduate. Anayama proposes a deal: join the Kyoritsu Sumo Club's tournament, and he might overlook the missing credits. Shuhei accepts reluctantly to please Natsuko Kawamura.

start Kyoritsu University, Anayama Lab
2

Shuhei joins the under-staffed Sumo Club

The club's roster consists of only Aoki Tomio, a traditionalist sumo enthusiast who has repeated years. Shuhei and Aoki begin recruiting Haruo and Tanaka to fill the team. The recruitment is fraught with difficulties.

early Kyoritsu University Sumo Club
3

First tournament loss and alumni abuse

The amateur team competes in the tournament but loses, prompting abuse from alumni at the afterparty. The setback triggers concern but also motivation to regroup. Shuhei questions whether they can improve.

early Tournament venue and alumni afterparty
4

New recruit joins to save on rent

Shuhei promises the team a chance to win next season and recruits George Smiley, a British student and experienced footballer, to strengthen the squad. Smiley joins partly to save on rent and to bring a new athletic dimension. His arrival signals a shift in the team’s dynamics.

before summer Kyoritsu University
5

Summer training camp at Anayama's hometown

During summer vacation, the team travels to Professor Anayama's hometown for intensive training. They bond and test their teamwork in unfamiliar surroundings. The trip deepens the team's resolve to improve.

summer vacation Anayama's hometown
6

Practice match against elementary schoolers

At the end of the camp, the team faces a neighborhood elementary school in a practice match. The session shows their growth but also highlights inexperience. It foreshadows their readiness for higher-level competition.

end of camp Neighborhood elementary school
7

Progress in league: winning to advance

The team wins their next third league match and ascends to the second league. The victory signals tangible progress after a rocky start. The squad begins to feel optimistic about their season.

after summer League matches
8

Injury strikes: Haruo breaks arm and Shuhei injured

Haruo sustains a broken arm during the third match, and Shuhei also incurs injuries. The injury wave tests the team's depth and resilience. Masako Mamiya steps up as a new manager to fill the gap.

during third match Match venues
9

Masako joins as manager and commits

Masako Mamiya volunteers to join the club as a manager after Haruo's injury and develops a close bond with the team. She trains with them and contributes to morale. Her presence motivates Tanaka and Aoki to win their matches.

after injury Sumo Club
10

Masako's bold attempt and inspiration

On the day of a crucial match, Masako binds her chest with bandages and tape but still loses. The gesture inspires the team, illustrating dedication and risk. Tanaka and Aoki capitalize on the moment to clinch victories.

day of match Match venue
11

Final league win seals promotion

The Sumo Club wins the final league match when Shuhei delivers a dramatic throw to defeat his opponent. The victory crowns their league success and validates their efforts. The team looks forward to the future.

final round Final league match venue
12

Players move on: scouts, departures, and new chapters

Tanaka is scouted for sumo wrestling, Smiley returns to Britain, Masako and Haruo leave to study in London, and Aoki graduates. The club's composition changes as members pursue new paths. Shuhei faces a choice about leading the club going forward.

post-season Various locations
13

Shuhei declines the job offer to keep the club alive

Despite opportunities, Shuhei declines the job offer and chooses to continue the sumo club as its sole remaining member. He aims to keep the club's spirit and mission intact. The decision marks a bittersweet turning point for the team.

post-promotion Club
14

Natsuko visits; ending scene with shiko practice

Natsuko visits Shuhei at the club, and they end the film by playfully practicing shiko together. The moment signals a quiet, hopeful close between them. The club's future remains uncertain, but their bond endures.

ending Club

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:52

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t

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