Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.