expression
All Seats Sold, Thank You
A set phrase displayed on banners at sumo tournaments and other events when all tickets are sold out. It expresses gratitude to the audience.
大相撲の会場に「満員御礼」の垂れ幕が下がっていた。
A banner reading 'All Seats Sold, Thank You' was hung at the sumo venue.
noun
full house; sell-out crowd
By extension, used as a noun to describe any event or venue that is completely sold out. Often seen in news or promotional contexts.
初日から満員御礼の大盛況だった。
It was a huge success with a full house from the opening day.
満席 simply means 'all seats are occupied' and is a neutral, everyday term. 満員御礼 is a celebratory set phrase originally from sumo, now used for sold-out events.
A fixed phrase combining 満員 (full house) and 御礼 (thanks). It originated in sumo, where it is displayed when all tickets are sold, and later spread to other events.