What was once hyped as a landmark cultural event during San Diego Comic-Con weekend is now officially off. The much-promoted WorldWide Sumo "Super Power Show!", originally scheduled to take over Gallagher Square at Petco Park on July 25–26, has been canceled due to international visa issues and economic concerns, according to a statement from the event organizers.
The San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog, which had previously promoted the event, pulled its article after receiving a cancellation notice. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), they shared the statement from WorldWide Sumo:
"Due to unforeseen delays and denials in international talent visa approvals and economic instability based on new policy changes, we are unfortunately cancelling the WorldWide Sumo: Super Power Show. Tickets will be refunded in the next few days. Thank you again for your early support of this event."
But in the weeks leading up to the planned U.S. tour launch in San Diego, the event's official website (wwsumo.com), as well as that for StudioNaginami, went offline. Ticketing options disappeared, and promotional coverage, including a previously published article by the San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog, was removed.
Despite the digital vanishing act, WorldWide Sumo maintained a small Instagram presence that continued promoting events—including one scheduled for August at the American Dream Mall in New Jersey—though with no links to ticketing platforms and little engagement.
SanDiegoVille readers were among the first to raise alarms.
"I think Petco got duped," wrote one follower, noting that ticket sales were only available through the now-defunct website - not through Padres channels or trusted ticketing platforms. "It smells fishy."
Adding to the skepticism: the event never appeared on the official Padres or Petco Park events calendars, despite listing Gallagher Square as the venue. Other Petco-hosted events are typically accessible through Padres ticketing accounts - but not this one. That irregularity, combined with a lack of public comment from Petco Park, has fueled speculation. The venue did, however, briefly share the event on its official Instagram account.
WorldWide Sumo had promoted itself as a global cultural force with live streaming plans via YouTube and Twitch, and a dollar from each ticket said to support programming by the Japan Society.
The cancellation raises broader concerns about vetting procedures, transparency, and communication between venue partners and the public. SanDiegoVille has reached out to representatives for the San Diego Padres and Petco Park to confirm whether the event was ever formally booked or endorsed. As of publication, no response has been received.
Those who had hoped to witness sumo under the San Diego sky during Comic-Con weekend are now left with refunds—and questions.
For more details, contact the organizers directly at [email protected].
Billed as an "immersive celebration of Japanese culture and athleticism," WorldWide Sumo was slated to blend traditional sumo wrestling exhibitions with live J-pop performances, taiko drumming, shamisen music, and an authentic Japanese marketplace. Press materials teased appearances by elite retired sumo wrestlers including the 341-pound Mongolian star Azumaryum and Japanese competitors Matsu, Tashi, and Taichiyama. Entertainment acts such as J-pop artist Shihori, anime metal band Spirit Bomb, and taiko master Shunichiro Kamiya were also announced.
The show, reportedly produced by the Emmy-winning team behind StudioNaginami, promised a "modern, family-friendly take" on Japan’s ancient sport, complete with cultural exhibits, food vendors, merchandise, and surprise appearances - all tied to a mission of cross-cultural exchange and benefiting the Japan Society.
The show, reportedly produced by the Emmy-winning team behind StudioNaginami, promised a "modern, family-friendly take" on Japan’s ancient sport, complete with cultural exhibits, food vendors, merchandise, and surprise appearances - all tied to a mission of cross-cultural exchange and benefiting the Japan Society.
But in the weeks leading up to the planned U.S. tour launch in San Diego, the event's official website (wwsumo.com), as well as that for StudioNaginami, went offline. Ticketing options disappeared, and promotional coverage, including a previously published article by the San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog, was removed.
SanDiegoVille readers were among the first to raise alarms.
"I think Petco got duped," wrote one follower, noting that ticket sales were only available through the now-defunct website - not through Padres channels or trusted ticketing platforms. "It smells fishy."
Adding to the skepticism: the event never appeared on the official Padres or Petco Park events calendars, despite listing Gallagher Square as the venue. Other Petco-hosted events are typically accessible through Padres ticketing accounts - but not this one. That irregularity, combined with a lack of public comment from Petco Park, has fueled speculation. The venue did, however, briefly share the event on its official Instagram account.
WorldWide Sumo had promoted itself as a global cultural force with live streaming plans via YouTube and Twitch, and a dollar from each ticket said to support programming by the Japan Society.
The cancellation raises broader concerns about vetting procedures, transparency, and communication between venue partners and the public. SanDiegoVille has reached out to representatives for the San Diego Padres and Petco Park to confirm whether the event was ever formally booked or endorsed. As of publication, no response has been received.
Those who had hoped to witness sumo under the San Diego sky during Comic-Con weekend are now left with refunds—and questions.
For more details, contact the organizers directly at [email protected].
Originally published on June 21, 2025.
