The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were snapped enjoying a sumo wrestling match on day one of their visit to Japan.

Sophie, 60, immersed herself in the local traditions, observing the proceedings closely with binoculars at Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena in Tokyo on Friday.

The royal duo seemed captivated by the Grand Sumo Tournament, as the Duke perused the event program while Sophie concentrated on Japan’s national sport.

Mother-of-two Sophie, who beamed as she watched the match, was given a sumo wrestler plush toy, which she kept on the table beside her.

The Duke and Duchess, who joined thousands of fans in the jam-packed stadium, were seated in a plush spot in a box behind the ringside stands.

The tournament is one of six held in Japan each year in January, May and September, and it lasts for over two weeks. 

Each competition day begins as early as 8am, with the lowest-ranked contenders entering the ring first, and by late afternoon, the stadium is packed as spectators arrive to watch the top wrestlers face off.

The Edinburghs’ appearance comes ahead of the return of the Grand Sumo Tournament to the UK in October at the Royal Albert Hall.

The Duchess of Edinburgh (pictured) was visibly keen as she watched a sumo wrestling tournament alongside her husband, the Duke, on the opening day of their trip to Japan.

Before the event, Sophie and Edward met and chatted with wrestler Asanoyama Hiroki.

They posed for photos with the wrestler and Chairman of the Sumo Association, Hakkaku Nobuyoshi, before heading into the arena for the games.

Sophie looked stylish in a £4,550 Valentino midi shirt dress with a paisley swirl and polka dot pattern, fringed tie belt and a pleated skirt. 

The 60-year-old complemented the designer dress with nude pointed Jimmy Choo pumps and carried a custom navy snakeskin clutch by Beauchamps of London.

She kept her accessories simple with a pair of floral earrings and a gold pendant necklace.

Sophie’s blonde locks were pulled back in a half-up, half-down style, and she wore natural make-up with a pink lip.

Meanwhile, Prince Edward looked dapper in a black double-breasted suit jacket over a blue checked shirt and red patterned tie. 

Earlier in the day, the couple attended a reception at the newly launched MUSUBI initiative.

The tournament is one of six held in Japan each year in January, May and September, and lasts for over two weeks

She beamed as she watched on and was given a sumo wrestler plush toy, which she kept on the table beside her

Prior to the event, Sophie and Edward met with wrestler Asanoyama Hiroki (far left) and the Chairman of the Sumo Association Hakkaku Nobuyoshi (far right).

Earlier in the day, the couple participated in a tree planting ceremony at Akasaka State Guest House

They also went to meet with Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino

‘MUSUBI’ means ‘connection’ in Japanese, and the initiative was designed to build relationships between people and businesses in the UK and Japan. 

They met with guests, staff and partners, including MUSUBI friendship ambassador Hello Kitty, and enjoyed a short musical performance before the Duke gave a ‘kanpai’ (toast) to celebrate the initiative’s success. 

The Duke and Duchess then went to meet with Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino. 

The Royal and Imperial families maintain a close relationship stretching back hundreds of years. 

Before the sumo tournament, Sophie and Edward were snapped as they participated in a tree planting ceremony at Akasaka State Guest House.

They planted an oak sapling in the house’s garden, symbolising the continuing close relationship between the Royal Family and the Imperial Family. The sapling was taken from an English oak tree planted on the same grounds by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1975. 

On Friday evening, they will end their busy day by meeting with the Emperor and Empress of Japan. 

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrived in Japan on September 18, and their trip will run until September 22.