In Japan, the classic game Street Fighter is once again drawing attention, thanks to the release of its newest installment, SF6. This latest edition by Capcom has reignited the enthusiasm of the nation, pushing the game’s fame to levels reminiscent of the ’90s, a time when it was incredibly popular.
In light of its comeback, the company chose to honor the annual highlight in gaming, Capcom Cup 11, at a legendary location – the Ryōgoku Kokugikan Arena – symbolizing the achievements Street Fighter 6 has made so far.
The Ryogoku Kokugikan, famously known as Japan’s Sumo Town center, resides in Tokyo’s Sumida region. Surrounding it is the vibrant Ryogoku district, deeply immersed in the world of sumo wrestling. This area is cherished by fans due to its numerous sumo stables, serving as specialized training grounds for future sumo athletes. You’ll frequently encounter a variety of Chanko restaurants here, a popular dish consumed by aspiring sumo competitors to build weight. Interestingly, E. Honda from Street Fighter launched his own Chanko restaurant during the events of Street Fighter 6.
Beyond just sumo enthusiasts, the Ryogoku Kokugikan is also a significant location for professional wrestling events. In fact, the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion, known globally as one of the most prominent in the field, frequently hosts its G1 Climax tournament at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
The G1 Climax is an exhausting, fierce, and thrilling round-robin competition that has provided fans with some of the most memorable matches in recent times. Notable wrestlers such as Tetsuya Naito, Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada, Kenny Omega, and Yuji Nagata (among others) have claimed victory within the famed Sumo Hall. For any wrestling enthusiast traveling in Tokyo, visiting the Ryōgoku Kokugikan is a must-do, much like the Tokyo Dome or Korakuen Hall.
The venue boasts a rich past associated with Street Fighter, dating back to the 1990s when fighting games reigned supreme in arcades worldwide. During this era, Capcom orchestrated a colossal Street Fighter II Turbo tournament at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan.
At Evo 2023, it’s said that a staggering 7083 players participated in Street Fighter 6, setting a new attendance record for the event. Among these competitors, Nakano Sagat emerged victorious, claiming the top spot. Notably, this wasn’t his first victory; he also won SFII Turbo events at Evo 2019 and 2020, further solidifying his position as a formidable player in the Street Fighter community.
It’s clear that Street Fighter 6 has brought fighting games back into the spotlight for Japanese gamers. This renewed interest offers hope to fans of the genre that it can break free from its niche status and regain the popularity and charm it once possessed, as arcades used to buzz with anticipation whenever a new game was released.
As a dedicated fan, it’s thrilling to see events consistently getting snapped up, thanks to the booming popularity of V-Tubers and streaming communities. They’ve found Street Fighter 6 as their preferred choice for content generation! In just a week, an epic showdown is scheduled: the Reject Fight Night x Sajam Slam International Championship will pit Japanese and North American content creators against each other. Can’t wait to witness the action unfold!
In simple terms, Luis “Rynge” Avila, a commentator for fighting games and an avid pro-wrestling fan, pointed out to me that Street Fighter is commonly seen as more than just a game – it’s almost considered a sport. Interestingly, you might find yourself chatting with someone unfamiliar, only to discover they are well-versed in the competitive scene of this popular title.
“The place that SF is in, especially in Japan, is just incredible. We were at a Pokémon center in Tokyo and a lot of us got recognized by one of the Japanese employees. They talked about the Capcom Cup and their favorite player being Shuto. The return to such prominence and to be able to go back to Ryōgoku is a beautiful story. For me especially seeing so many incredible wrestling events from the venue and now to be here myself for SF6 – it’s a dream I never imagined and somehow I’m getting to live it.”
Fate seemed to have it that I was chosen to witness E. Honda’s sole performance at this year’s Capcom Cup – and so far, it’s been a thrilling spectacle!
As a passionate gaming enthusiast, I can’t contain my excitement as we approach the start of the Capcom Cup 11 Top 16! The tournament begins on March 7th, with the Street Fighter League finals following suit on the 8th. If you’ve ever dreamed about diving deep into the world of fighting games, now is your moment to jump in!
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2025-03-07 22:18